Inside young Paul Cattermole’s journey to S Club 7 as star almost turned down life-changing opportunity

A YOUNG Paul Cattermole almost turned down the life-changing opportunity to join S Club 7.

Paul, who tragically died yesterday aged 46, once opened up about his journey to stardom - and how it nearly didn't happen.

The singer was found dead at his Dorset home yesterday afternoon, with the news of his death coming to light today.

While he kept a relatively low profile after leaving S Club 7, Paul and his former bandmates were set to embark on a reunion tour later this year.

The 46-year-old was one of the original members of the group when it formed in 1998.

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

But, he once revealed he almost turned the offer down - telling his friends he thought his life would "never be the same".

Paul told the in 2019: “I honestly was very unsure.

“I’ve been asked so many times, ‘Were you sitting by the phone, just waiting?’

"But when they did phone me up and offer it to me – ‘Hi, we’re so pleased to …’ – I remember putting the phone down and going: ‘I don’t know if I want to do that.’

"I turned to my friends and said: ‘If I do this, my life is never going to be the same again.’”

But, his decision paid off - over the five years they were together, S Club 7 had four UK No.1 singles, one UK No.1 album, hits throughout , 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.

Today, Paul's heartbroken family paid tribute to him.

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."

It comes as...

• Paul's tragic last post revealed the star's excitement over Eurovision
• The singer's family released heart-breaking statement in tribute to 'beloved Paul'
• S Club 7 are 'truly devastated' as the band shared a picture in tribute to 'brother' Paul
• Fans heartbroken as S Club 7 legend, 46, died just months before reunion tour
• The last pictures of Paul emerged, showing him smiling as he strolled through the woods near his home just before his death
• Paul's final tragic interview has been revealed, with the star speaking of "new beginnings and good luck"

Meanwhile, S Club 7 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."

This afternoon a Dorset police spokesperson told The Sun: “We were called at 4.41pm on Thursday 6 April 2023 to reports of the sudden death of a man aged in his 40s at an address in Wareham. 

“The man’s family have been informed and HM Coroner notified.

"The death is not being treated as suspicious and enquiries are being carried out on behalf of HM Coroner.”