S Club 7's Paul Cattermole died suddenly of natural causes

S Club 7's Paul Cattermole died suddenly of natural causes aged 46 and there will be no inquest into his death, it was revealed today.

The singer was found dead on April 6 - just two months after he and the band announced they were due to go on a reunion tour this autumn. It will still go ahead without him.

His body was discovered in his ground floor flat in Wareham, Dorset, devastating his bandmates and fans. 

Cattermole, who made a living as a tarot card reader after quitting the group in 2002, was said to have been in 'good spirits' when he was seen at a park close to his home days earlier. 

A spokeswoman for Dorset Coroner's Office said: 'We confirm that Mr Cattermole died from natural causes and our investigations have concluded. As his death was from natural causes there will be no inquest.'

S Club 7 's Paul Cattermole was said to have been in 'good spirits' when he was seen at a park close to his home days before his death

Cattermole left S Club 7 in 2002. Pictured, the band two years earlier 

S Club members say they are heartbroken but will still tour this year

His ex-girlfriend and fellow S Club 7 star Hannah Spearritt was said to be 'in bits' after she was told the news. 

Following his death, the band have rebranded as S Club. Hannah has pulled out of the tour. 

His family and S Club released a joint statement announcing his sad passing.

They 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.'

The band paid tribute to Cattermole on social media. Writing alongside a black and white photograph of him in the band's heyday, they 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.

Band members Tina Barrett, Paul Cattermole, Hannah Spearritt, Jon Lee, Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh and Jo O'Meara on The One Show after announcing in February they will reunite for a UK tour

His ex-girlfriend and fellow S Club 7 star Hannah Spearitt was said to be 'in bits' after his death and has since pulled out of the tour

'He will be so deeply missed by each and every one of us.'

Sources close to the band say that he was 'excited' about their forthcoming reunion tour and was focusing on getting fit for the rehearsals which were due to begin in the early summer.

While Cattermole was excited about his return to the limelight, The Daily Mail was  told that his bandmates had concerns about him as he appeared very quiet.

Meanwhile, insiders say that the group are now determined to press on with their 11 concerts in the autumn as a tribute to Cattermole.

One said: 'A dark cloud has fallen over the reunion, it was supposed to be such a happy event but what wonderful way it would be to remember Paul.'