S Club star Hannah Spearritt has stepped back from the band's upcoming reunion tour following the death of bandmate Paul Cattermole.
Paul's death last month left shocked S Club fans devastated, with his band members saying in a statement that there were "no words to describe the deep sadness and loss we all feel". Paul, who was 46, was found at his home in Dorset on April 6, with police confirming that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.
Just weeks earlier S Club had delighted fans with the announcement of an 11-date UK arena tour to mark the band's 25th anniversary, including Newcastle's Utilita Arena in October. Fellow band members Tina Barrett, Jon Lee, Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens and Bradley McIntosh appeared together in a video on Instagram for the first time since Paul's death to issue an update on the tour, fighting back tears as they paid tribute to Paul.
READ MORE: Viewers spot problem with Ant and Dec at the Bafta TV Awards
"Sorry it's been a while since you've heard from us," Jon told fans. "But in all honesty we've been in a bit of shock, and it's taken a while for us to find the right words to describe how we feel about losing our brother Paul."
Tina admitted that the group were still finding Paul's death "really hard to process", while Bradley added that they remained in "disbelief" over the loss. "No-one could ever replace our Paul - but he lives on inside each and every one of us," he said.
Addressing Hannah's absence, Jon said: "You've probably all noticed that there's only five of us here today. Although Hannah will always be a part of S Club 7, she won't be joining us on this tour. But we wish her all the best for the future."
He added: "However, the five of us are really excited and geared up to crack on. It's going to be our tribute to Paul. So we are actually renaming the tour The Good Times Tour, which is the song that Paul was going to sing."
Tina then took over as Jon became overcome with emotion. "That was Paul's song, and all the fans know that that was his song, so it just feels right," she said.
As Jo wiped away tears next to her, Rachel continued: "And he's always going to be with us - he's such a huge part of this tour and so involved in everything that are planning - and we're just going to keep his memory alive and share it with all of you."
READ NEXT:
Hairy Biker Dave Myers makes vital diet change amid cancer battle as he returns to work
Vicky Pattison shares results of highly emotional egg freezing journey in new video
Matty Healy and Taylor Swift spotted smooching on double date, as fans say romance is 'confirmed'
BBC Homes Under the Hammer's Martin Roberts was given 'hours to live' after heart scare
Graham Norton takes savage swipe at last-place Germany's Eurovision entry during final
