Rachel Stevens has revealed that S Club had group therapy last year, to help cope with the ‘devastating’ death of their bandmate Paul Cattermole.
The singer was found dead at the age of 46 in April 2023 at his home in Dorset, due to heart issues with no suspicious circumstances surrounding his sudden death.
His tragic passing came just two months after S Club 7 had announced they were reuniting and going on a reunion tour.
Speaking on the Happy Place podcast, Rachel, 46, detailed how the band had therapy together to ‘open conversations’ and ‘share memories’ of Paul.
Opening up about the sessions, she told host Fearne Cotton: ‘It was really good. I think talking is just the best thing ever and it can never be a bad thing.
Rachel Stevens has revealed that S Club had group therapy last year, to help cope with the ‘devastating’ death of their bandmate Paul Cattermole (S Club pictured last year)
The singer was found dead at the age of 46 in April 2023 at his home in Dorset, due to heart issues with no suspicious circumstances surrounding his sudden death (pictured in February 2023)
His tragic passing came just two months after S Club 7 had announced they were reuniting and going on a reunion tour (whole band pictured in February 2023)
‘It opens up conversations and it helps you, it’s as simple as that. It was just a really special way to celebrate him and his life, but it was just tragic.’
Rachel said there was no question the tour would not continue, but explained the experience brought her and her bandmates Tina Barrett, 47, Jon Lee, 42, Bradley McIntosh, 42 and Jo O’Meara, 45, ‘even closer together’.
She explained: ‘It brought us even closer together. It was devastating but we just were together actually.
‘Obviously the tour was all happening, there was no talk about it not happening but we just stopped and took a step back. We talked and we were there for each other and that’s all you can do.’
The reunion tour then became a way to celebrate Paul, with the group renaming it The Good Times Tour in tribute to Paul’s song Good Times on their third album.
Rachel said: ‘We really wanted to just be mindful of his family and be respectful. We were talking all the time and sharing memories of him.
‘The tour took on a whole different meaning and became a really beautiful tribute and celebration of him.’
Paul’s sad passing was announced in a joint statement from his family and S Club that said: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole.
Speaking on the Happy Place podcast with Fearne Cotton (pictured), Rachel, 46, detailed how the band had therapy together to ‘open conversations’ and ‘share memories’ of Paul
Rachel said there was no question the tour would not continue, but explained the experience brought her and her bandmates (L-R) Jon Lee, 42, Tina Barrett, 47, Jo O’Meara, 45, and Bradley McIntosh, 42, ‘even closer together’ (pictured in December)
The reunion tour then became a way to celebrate Paul, with the group renaming it The Good Times Tour in tribute to Paul’s song Good Times on their third album
‘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.’
While the band also paid tribute on social media, sharing a throwback black and white photograph of him with the words: ‘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.’
Following Paul’s death, the group rebranded as S Club, while Hannah – who was Paul’s ex-girlfriend – pulled out in May, saying it ‘wasn’t the right time’ for her to go on tour with the band.
The Good Times Tour kicked off in October last year, and featured several tributes to Paul, including old footage of him playing on the screens.
Following Paul’s death, the group rebranded as S Club, while Hannah – who was Paul’s ex-girlfriend – pulled out in May , saying it ‘wasn’t the right time’ for her to go on tour with the band (pictured in January)
S Club 7 formed in 1998 and had a string of huge hits between 1999 and 2003, including number one singles Don’t Stop Movin’ and Never Had A Dream Come True (pictured in 2000)
Earlier this year, Rachel told The Sun on Sunday that touring with the group feels ‘cathartic’ following the loss of Paul (pictured on tour in February)
Earlier this year, Rachel told The Sun on Sunday that touring with the group feels ‘cathartic’ following the loss of Paul.
She said: ‘We celebrate him all the time and that has been another thing that has been so special about coming back together.
‘Paul was so excited about this tour, and it has turned into such a tribute to and celebration of him.
‘It has been very emotional, but it’s a very cathartic way of sharing him and his memories.’