Former popstar Paul Cattermole has died just weeks after S Club 7 revealed their plans for a reunion tour.
The pop legend has been found dead at his home in Dorset aged 46 and there are thought to be “no suspicious circumstances” around his death.
The singer had been looking forward to joining the rest of the band for the reunion scheduled for later this year to mark 25 years since the release of their first single Bring It All Back.
READ MORE: Nadine Coyle shows support for Cheryl as she attends her West End play
His bandmate Hannah Spearritt is said to have "broke down" when she was given the shocking news and his bandmates have been left in "horror and disbelief".
A statement from the band reads: "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. We ask that you respect the privacy of his family and of the band at this time."
A statement from his family reads: "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. Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time."
Paul was one of the original members of S Club 7 but broke hearts across the nation when he quit the band in 2002.
"It had got to the point where things were being handled so badly, I had to go," Paul told The Guardian.
Paul reunited with some old school friends to form nu metal group Skua, but they split in 2003 after failing to sign a record deal.
Five years after S Club broke up, Paul started performing at nightclub, universities and holiday camps across the UK with Jo and Bradley as S Club 3.
But Paul struggled adjusting to life after the band and was declared bankrupt.
Paul admitted he had already tried to sign up to shows like I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! but he had been turned down because he was not "famous enough".
While he also struggled to find work an accident during work on The Rocky Horror Picture Show left him with a permanent back injury.
The penniless singer opened up about his serious money troubles on Loose Women in 2018 and didn't even have enough money to pay for a shirt for the interview.
When Jane asked whether any family members had helped him out with his money troubles, he insisted that his "mum has helped in a big way this year".
He also said that he was very keen to dip his toe into reality TV, citing Dancing On Ice and I'm A Celeb as examples, but quipped: "For some reason they don't want me".
Paul had a relationship with bandmate Hannah which they kept secret for six months before going public in 2001.
They carried on seeing each other when Paul left the group but split in 2006.
The pair got back together in June 2015 and were seen snogging on the tube, but they broke up again in November that year.
Paul was looking for love on First Dates Hotel, where he admitted his past life had made it tough to get in a real relationship and he wanted to get out of the public eye.
He also claimed he was forced to date Hannah for their Hollywood 7 TV shows as it was "written into their TV contracts".
"There was nothing natural about it. It wasn't how people actually hook up and get together," he said in 2019.
Paul went on to make a shock career change and left the music industry to become a tarot card reader.
READ NEXT:
Man dies in Longford bus accident - a year after losing brother in car crash
Officials struggling to contact Limerick murder victim's family in Romania
George Hook says Late Late Show should've been scrapped after Gay Byrne retired
US Secret Service bringing 300 guns to Ireland to protect Joe Biden during visit
Family of talented footballer Aodhán Gillen pay tribute to 'humble young man'
