S Club 7’s Paul Cattermole has died at the age of 46.
The singer, whose cause of death is currently unknown, was found dead on Thursday afternoon at this home in Dorset.
His unexpected death comes just weeks after the group announced it was going on a major reunion tour.
A statement from his family and S Club 7 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.
“Paul’s family, friends and fellow members of S Club request privacy at this time”.
A statement on the S Club social media accounts said: “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 band – made up of original members Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett and Cattermole – 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.
Created by former Spice Girls manager Simon Fuller, the band were together from 1998 until 2003, when they disbanded.
During their five years together they produced four studio albums and topped the charts with singles including Never Had A Dream Come True and Have You Ever.
Following the band’s break-up, McIntosh, O’Meara and Cattermole became members of the spin-off group S Club Allstars, previously S Club 3, with Barrett joining them in 2014.
Cattermole had been open about difficulties he had faced after leaving the band, selling the Brit award he won for best newcomer for £66,000 on eBay in 2018, saying he had “bills to pay”.