S Club 7 stars send message to fans on how to honour Paul Cattermole – saying he ‘will never be forgotten’
S Club 7 have encouraged fans who want to commemorate Paul Cattermole to donate to a youth musical theatre charity in his memory, in lieu of flowers.
The band’s official Instagram account shared a message on Saturday night thanking fans for their love and support following the singer’s death at the age of 46.
S Club 7 stars Rachel Stevens, Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh all shared the post from their individual accounts.
S Club 7 in 2002 (L-R): Tina Barrett, John Lee, Hannah Spearritt, Paul Cattermole, Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O’Meara
“Thank you to all our incredible fans and friends who have shared their love for our brother Paul,” the message said. “In this difficult time for all of us, it gives us strength to know that he will never be forgotten.
“In lieu of flowers, Paul’s family have requested that anyone who would like to can join us in making a donation in his honour to the National Youth Music Theatre, an organisation that brought Paul so much joy growing up.”
The group finished the message by saying: “We love you all. S Club x.”
The National Youth Music Theatre shared the post on its own accounts, saying it was “humbled and deeply touched by this kind gesture from Paul’s family”.
Donations will go to the theatre’s bursary fund, which the organisation said supports those who would “otherwise be unable to benefit” from the experience that “Paul so enjoyed”.
The organisation was first established in 1976 and offers opportunities for young people of all backgrounds aged 10 to 23, through workshops, masterclasses and courses led by industry professionals.
Cattermole’s death was first announced by his family and S Club 7 on Friday.
He died unexpectedly, months before the seven-piece band were due to embark on their 25th anniversary reunion tour.
The singer’s cause of death remains unknown.
Who was Paul Cattermole?
Born in March 1977, Cattermole landed his first big break in a performance of West Side Story.
He later joined the National Youth Music Theatre, where he met his S Club 7 bandmate Hannah Spearritt. The pair also dated for several years.
At the age of 16, Cattermole formed a heavy metal band called Skua, before meeting S Club 7 manager Simon Fuller.
After many auditions, the vocalist became a member of the group in 1998, alongside Spearritt, Stevens, Barrett, and McIntosh, as well as Jon Lee and Jo O’Meara.
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The band soon became a hit, releasing four number one singles and one number-one album.
In 2000, the group won the Brit award for best British breakthrough act, followed up with best British single in 2002.
After much success, Cattermole left to join a metal band and the group eventually removed “7” from their name before they disbanded.
Earlier this year, they announced a reunion tour and said they were “so excited to bring the S Club party back to our fans across the country”.
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir Starmer to sack Treasury minister Tulip Siddiq over allegations she lived in properties linked to allies of her aunt, Sheikh Hasina, the deposed prime minister of Bangladesh.
It comes after the current Bangladeshi leader, Muhammad Yunus, said London properties used by Ms Siddiq should be investigated.
He told the Sunday Times the properties should be handed back to his government if they were acquired through “plain robbery”.
Tory leader Ms Badenoch said: “It’s time for Keir Starmer to sack Tulip Siddiq.
“He appointed his personal friend as anti-corruption minister and she is accused herself of corruption.
“Now the government of Bangladesh is raising serious concerns about her links to the regime of Sheikh Hasina.”
Ms Siddiq insists she has “done nothing wrong”.
Her aunt was ousted from office in August following an uprising against her 20-year leadership and fled to India.
Ms Siddiq is also named with her aunt in Bangladesh court documents about meetings with the Russian government.
Tory leader Kemi Badenoch has called on Sir Keir to sack the minister
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As economic secretary to the Treasury, Ms Siddiq is responsible for policy on both the City and tackling corruption.
She referred herself to the prime minister’s ethics watchdog on Monday following the reports about the properties.
On the same day, the prime minister said: “Tulip Siddiq has acted entirely properly by referring herself to the independent adviser, as she’s now done, and that’s why we brought into being the new code.
“It’s to allow ministers to ask the adviser to establish the facts, and yes, I’ve got confidence in her, and that’s the process that will now be happening.”
Police in Aberdeen have widened the search area for two sisters who disappeared four days ago in the city.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti, both 32, were last seen on CCTV on Market Street after leaving their home on Tuesday at around 2.12am.
The sisters – who are part of a set of triplets and originally from Hungary – crossed the Victoria Bridge to the Torry area and turned right on to a footpath next to the River Dee.
Eliza and Henrietta Huszti were last seen on CCTV in Market Street. Pic: Police Scotland/PA
They headed in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club but officers said there is no evidence to suggest the missing women left the immediate area.
Specialist search teams, police dogs and a marine unit have been trying to trace the pair.
The sisters crossed Victoria Bridge before walking along a footpath next to the River Dee
The pair were heading in the direction of Aberdeen Boat Club on the south side of the River Dee
Further searches are being carried out towards the Port of Aberdeen’s South Harbour and Duthie Park.
Police Scotland said it is liaising with authorities in Hungary to support the relatives of the two sisters.
Chief Inspector Darren Bruce said: “Eliza and Henrietta’s family are understandably extremely worried about them and we are working tirelessly to find them.
“We are seriously concerned about them and have significant resources dedicated to the inquiry.”
The sisters, from Aberdeen city centre, are described as slim with long brown hair.
Henrietta Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Eliza Huszti. Pic: Police Scotland
Officers have requested businesses in and around the South Esplanade and Menzies Road area to review their CCTV footage for the early morning of Tuesday 7 January.
Police added they are keen to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from that time.
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