S CLUB 7 star Paul Cattermole’s tragic final post revealed his excitement over his Eurovision Comic Relief appearance.
Paul, 46, was found dead at his home yesterday, just weeks after he and his bandmates announced plans for a 25th anniversary reunion tour later this year.
In his last Instagram post, uploaded on March 16 this year, the day before Red Nose Day, Paul released a sneak peek of a skit that saw him and other celebs competing for a spot in the European musical extravaganza.
He appeared alongside big names including Graham Norton, Lulu, Sam Ryder, Dermot O’Leary and Miranda Hart.
In the clip, the judges (Norton, Lulu and Ryder) explained that they are “on the hunt” for the UK’s next Eurovision entry.
Lulu joked: “You won’t believe who’s trying to get in on the action.”
The camera cuts to reveal the audition group, including Paul and Strictly finalist Fleur East.
It comes as news of Paul’s death rocked the world of showbiz.
Sobbing pals including co-star Hannah Spearritt “broke down” when given the shock news.
Management told the stunned group that there were “no suspicious circumstances” surrounding his death.
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 S Club 7 when it formed in 1998.
He was talent spotted by producers from 19 Management and invited to audition.
Paul left the band 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 the group – 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.
In a 2019 interview with The Guardian, Paul said: “The style and energy that was portrayed was coming from us, entirely.
“There was no management in that. The actual thing that people were buying into came from us. We created that sort of fun energy on our own.”
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 – Paul, Hannah, Rachel Stevens, Tina Barrett, Jon Lee, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O’Meara – had agreed to reunite.
A statement from Paul’s family 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.”
Meanwhile, the band uploaded a touching Instagram post in memory of their co-star.
The tribute 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.”
