S Club 7 will reportedly still go ahead with their reunion tour and will honour late bandmate Paul Cattermole when they take to the stage.
Sources close to the band claim it's too early to make a final decision on how the 11 scheduled dates will be carried out following Paul's untimely death at the age of 46 earlier this week, but Paul's bandmates are keen to honour their friend and perform them in his honour.
The upcoming reunion tour (scheduled to kick off in Liverpool on October 13) would have seen Paul perform alongside ex-girlfriend Hannah Spearritt, Rachel Stevens, Tina Barrett, Jo O'Meara, Bradley McIntosh and Jon Lee.
Paul had been excited to go on the 25th-anniversary reunion tour with S Club 7 later this year, with the band reuniting earlier this year to announce their exciting news.
It's believed the late singer was the first member of the seven-piece band to agree to a reunion tour and had been excited about celebrating the band's success.
"Paul was so excited, though he seemed awkward on the outside he was looking forward to reliving some of the old, happy times with the group," a source close to the band has told the MailOnline.
"That's why there are some members of S Club 7 who are determined the tour goes on. To them, it seems the perfect way to pay tribute to him."
The insider added how "there have been some meetings" and some S Club 7 members are inconsolable over Paul's unexpected death.
S Club 7 paid tribute to their bandmate on Friday and said there "are no words" to describe their loss.
The statement from the band read: "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."
The Never Had A Dream Come True singer's body was discovered in his home on Thursday, one day prior to the news of his death being made public.
A statement from his family shared on Friday read: "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."
Two months ago, Paul took part in a press conference with his bandmates to announce the reunion.
The star, who was also a tarot card reader, said he consulted with the cards to see what his and his bandmates' future held.
"I saw wheel of fortune - that's good, that's good luck. I genuinely did look at the cards," he said.
He told MailOnline: "There were other cards as well, ace of clubs - passion, new beginnings, your cup over-runneth with genuinely passionate emotion.
"It's positivity - something to be passionate about."
In a statement issued in February announcing their tour plans, S Club 7 said: "After eight years it feels amazing to announce that we're reuniting and performing together again. We're so excited to bring the S Club Party back to our fans across the country to celebrate 25 years of S Club 7.
"We can't even believe it's been so long! Music and friendship have always been at the core of everything that we've ever done. We hope everyone can join us for one big party!"
The Mirror has approached representatives for S Club 7 for comment on this story.
Following Paul’s death being announced on Friday, S Club 7 mastermind and manager Simon Fuller paid tribute to the late singer.
The music mogul said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news and that Paul would be “greatly missed”.
In a statement shared with the PA news agency, Mr Fuller said: “Paul was a beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans and he will be greatly missed.
“We’re all deeply shocked and saddened by this news”.
Formed by Spice Girls manager Mr Fuller, S Club 7 spent five years at the top with four UK Number One singles, one UK Number One album and sold over 10 million albums worldwide, before splitting in 2003.
They made a short comeback as a three-piece back in 2008 shortly after Jo O'Meara's controversial appearance in Celebrity Big Brother, along with Paul and Bradley McIntosh, with changing members leading to the band being rebranded as S Club Allstars.
The full line-up reunited for an appearance on Children In Need in 2014 and the mega Bring It All Back tour in 2015, but their upcoming tour would have been their first performance together in eight years as a seven-piece band.
