S CLUB 7 stars were left in shock following the death of Paul Cattermole — weeks after they announced a reunion tour.
The singer, 46, was found at his flat in Wareham, Dorset.
The band said: “We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother.”
Tributes poured in for the “gentle and shy” singer from stunned fans and celebrities.
Just two months ago, Paul revealed he had been excited at the prospect of a new beginning as S Club 7’s special 25th anniversary reunion tour was announced.
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But a source told The Sun: “Everyone is in pieces. Hannah and the rest of the gang broke down when told what happened.
"No one can believe it. There is a real sense of horror and disbelief.”
Paul was found dead on Thursday afternoon at his £172,000 home in Wareham, Dorset.
A day earlier he had been seen happily strolling in a nearby park.
S Club 7, who had a string of hits including four UK No1 singles, said in a joint statement: “We are truly devastated by the passing of our brother Paul.
“There are no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel.
"We were so lucky to have had him in our lives and are thankful for the amazing memories we have.
“He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us.”
Paul, born in St Albans, Herts, and Hannah, 42, became friends in their teens at the National Youth Music Theatre.
S Club 7 were then formed in 1998, along with Rachel Stevens, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh, Tina Barrett and Jo O’Meara.
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They enjoyed hits including S Club Party, Reach and Never Had A Dream Come True but Paul left the band in 2002 and they eventually split a year later.
Paul formed a new group Skua, but they soon split.
He had also embarked on a relationship with Hannah in 2001 but started drinking heavily after they broke up in 2006.
In 2014, S Club 7 performed together at Children in Need and the following year reunited for a Bring It All Back Tour.
Paul, on stage again with Hannah, later revealed their reunion was blissful for two weeks before it turned sour. He was also beset by money issues after going bankrupt in 2014.
A year later he played Eddie in a tour production of The Rocky Horror Show.
But he had to quit after a co-star fell on him on stage, damaging his back.
In 2018, he sold his Brit Award for £60,000 on eBay after telling fans he was skint.
Paul worked odd jobs to make ends meet, regularly working as a station manager for a community radio station in Swanage.
He also appeared on TV show First Dates Hotel in 2019 - but left after his companion failed to recognise him.
In 2022, he started providing online tarot cards services, charging £39.99 for readings.
Paul’s death came a week after we told how he had a secret meeting with Hannah in which he apologised for his behaviour towards her.
Hannah was said to be undecided about signing up for the tour due to the “awkwardness” of having to be around him again.
Four days later S Club 7 officially re-launched. It is not known if the tour due to start in October will now take place.
Paul said in February he had consulted with tarot cards to see what the future held, and they showed “good luck”.
TV host Lorraine Kelly tweeted last night: “This is so sad. Lovely man and he was so looking forward to the #sclub7 reunion. Interviewed them all many times and struck by how gentle and shy he was.”
Paul was close to his mum, sister and two brothers.
A family spokesperson said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
Paul was found yesterday, 6th April 2023 at his home in Dorset and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
“While the cause of death is currently unknown, Dorset Police has confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.”
