S Club 7 manager and TV presenter Vernon Kay have led tributes for singer Paul Cattermole, who has died at the age of 46.
The singer’s unexpected death was confirmed in a statement from this family and the band, writing: “It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.”
Presenter and radio DJ Kay was one of the first to pay tribute to the hitmaker, describing his death as “so very sad”.
Read more: S Club 7’s Paul Cattermole dies aged 46
“From when I first started in TV all the way through CBBC, T4, Top Of The Pops, Smash Hits Poll Winners, Paul and S Club were always there,” Kay wrote on Twitter.
“He always had time for a chat. RIP.”
‘A beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans’
The band was created by Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller who paid tribute to Cattermole, describing him as a “beacon of light”.
“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,” he said in a statement.
Presenter and TV personality Rylan Clark also commented: “Sending all the love to you all”.
BBC Radio 2 DJ Owain Wyn Evans added: “I am so sad to hear this. Sending love.”
‘Gentle and shy’
Scottish broadcaster Lorraine Kelly described Cattermole as “gentle and shy” as she joined tributes to the singer.
“This is so sad. Lovely man and he was so looking forward to the #sclub7 reunion,” she tweeted.
“Interviewed them all many times and struck by how gentle and shy he was.”
Meanwhile Loose Woman and GMB broadcaster India Willoughby said that Cattermole was “always my favourite”.
“Cheeky smile. Be with the brightest stars now. Love and condolences to all his family and friends,” she said.
He will be so deeply missed’
Cattermole was found at his home in Dorset on 6 April and was pronounced dead later that afternoon.
The cause of death is currently unknown, but Dorset Police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances.
A statement on the S Club 7 official account 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.”
Made up of original members Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett and Cattermole, the band was due to be reuniting in October for a 25th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.
In the late 1990s and early 2000s, the seven-piece pop group had hits including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’ and Bring It All Back.