S Club 7's tributes to Paul Cattermole: Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens and Tina Barrett honour 'sweetest soul' following death

S Club 7's Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens and Tina Barrett has paid tribute to her bandmate Paul Cattermole, who tragically died last week aged 46.

Jo, Rachel and Tina - who recently announced S Club 7's 25th anniversary reunion tour alongside the late Paul, Hannah Spearritt, Bradley McIntosh and Jon Lee - honoured 'sweetest soul' Paul as they explained their 'shock.'

Thanking fans for their support on Instagram, Jo said: "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 you my darling , Rest in forever Peace Love JoJo 🙏🏻 💔"

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A post shared by Jo O’Meara (@jo_omeara)

Tina also shared a heartfelt post on Instagram, saying: "Thank you for all your well wishes and support in this tragic time
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
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 💔"

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A post shared by Official Tina Barrett 🦋 (@misstinaannbarrett)

Rachel also thanked fans for their 'beautiful messages of love and support,' honouring her 'darling Paul.'

She said: "Thank you so much for all your beautiful messages of love and support 💔🙏🏻The out pouring of love for our Paul has been so incredibly special and has meant so much. I hope he knew how loved he was❤️

"Such a kind, gentle and sensitive soul with the most incredible energy and such a wild free spirit. He would light up any room 💫 We are heartbroken but so grateful for the memories we all shared 🙏🏻 An absolute shining star who we will love and miss always. RIP darling Paul 💔"

Paul's death was announced last Thursday (April 6), with the group releasing a statement reading:

"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."

As a member of S Club 7, Paul gained four UK Number 1 singles in his lifetime; Bring It All Back, Never Had A Dream Come True, Don't Stop Movin' and Have You Ever.

The band also achieved one UK chart-topping album, 2000's 7, which included the classic single Reach.

Our thoughts are with Paul's family, friends and fans at this difficult time.