S CLUB 7's Tina Barrett has broken her silence following the tragic death of bandmate Paul Cattermole.

Devastated Tina, 46, thanked fans for their support after it was revealed Paul had died at home aged just 46.

The singer shared a heartfelt tribute poem she'd penned in Paul's memory, alongside a picture of the group in which Paul took centre stage.

Tina posted: 'I wrote a poem for Paul I’d like to share with you all…

"'Paul Cattermole, A shining star

"Full of character and life, His flame burnt so bright, A rebel without a cause, A free spirit, a true force

READ MORE ON PAUL CATTERMOLE

S Club 7 star breaks silence on Paul Cattermole’s sudden death

Sheridan Smith ‘feels sick’ as she pays heartfelt tribute to Paul Cattermole

"While strumming the guitar, He reached for the stars

"Farewell sweet Paul, Your star shines so bright, Forever in our hearts

"Sleep well and Goodnight, Miss you Cattermole love Tina."

Earlier in the day, Jo O'Meara became the first of the 90s pop group to speak out about their devastating loss.

Most read in Celebrity

Sharing a picture of Paul, Jo wrote: "I just wanted to reach out and thank everybody from the bottom of my heart for the love and kindness you have shown over the tragic passing of our sweetest soul Paul.

"This has been utterly devastating and I am totally shocked and heartbroken.

"We have lost someone so incredibly special to us all and there is a huge sense of sadness that will never go.

"Paul will forever be a huge part of our lives and I will forever treasure the memories we made.

"I will love you always Paul. God bless. Forever Rest in Peace."

S Club 7 paid tribute to Paul as a collective after he was found dead at home just weeks after the band revealed their plans to reunite.

As news broke of Paul's passing, Hannah Spearritt, Rachel Stevens, Tina, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Jo posted a statement from the band on social media.

It 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 Sun understands there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding his death.

Paul had been set to join his former bandmates for a reunion tour in October this year.

His former girlfriend and co-star Hannah “broke down” when given the shock news.

A source told The Sun: “Everyone is in pieces. Hannah and the rest of the gang broke down when told what happened.

“No one can believe it. There is a real sense of horror and disbelief.”

Paul was one of the original members of the band when it formed in 1998.

He was talent spotted by producers from 19 Management and invited to audition.

Paul left S Club 7 in 2002. He formed a new group Skua, but they split a year later. 

In 2014, S Club 7 performed together at Children in Need and the following year reunited for the Bring It All Back Tour. 

The new dates for S Club 7 – known for hits S Club Party, Never Had a Dream Come True and Reach – were to mark 25 years since the band first formed.

Over the five years they were together, S Club 7 had four UK No.1 singles, one UK No.1 album, hits throughout Europe, including a top-ten single in the United States, Asia, Latin America and Africa. They recorded four studio albums, released eleven singles and went on to sell over 14 million albums worldwide.

Read More on The Sun

Urgent warning for 150,000 grandparents missing out on £6,875 pension boost

Parents are scrambling to get their hands on kids’ Croc dupes from Home Bargains

The new tour was due to take place in October, with 11 dates in both the UK and Ireland, including Leeds, Birmingham, Nottingham and London.

All seven original members of the group had agreed to reunite.

Source: Read Full Article