Pop acts including members of Steps and Blue have spoken of their heartbreak over the death of S Club 7 star Paul Cattermole.

The singer, whose cause of death is unknown, was found at his home in Dorset on Thursday afternoon.

His family and S Club 7 announced on Friday that he died unexpectedly, months before the seven-piece band were due to embark on a 25th anniversary reunion tour,

Tributes have poured in for Cattermole, hailed as a “beacon of light for a generation of pop music fans”, including from acts such as Steps, Atomic Kitten, Blue and B*Witched, who shared the spotlight during the height of S Club 7’s fame.

The official Blue account posted on Instagram stories: “Rest in peace, @paul_cattermole. It was a pleasure knowing you and sharing this journey with you! You will never be forgotten. Antony, Duncan, Simon and Lee.”

Ian H Watkins from Steps shared a video of himself broadcasting a radio show, tagging S Club 7 with a heartbroken emoji.

He told followers: “Sending you all a big hug. Take care everybody. Stay safe.”

Steps counterpart Lisa Scott-Lee shared an Instagram story with a picture of Cattermole and the caption: “I’m heartbroken to hear of the passing of Paul. My love goes out to all his bandmates @sclub7 and his family, friends and followers.”

Meanwhile, presenter Rochelle Humes, who found fame as a member of S Club Juniors, shared pictures of the group with S Club 7, originally posted by choreographer Aaron Renfree, who wrote the caption: “I just can’t believe it. Paul you will be deeply missed by your S Club family, friends and fans.

“You were a big part of my childhood, thanks for some special memories. Shine bright up there!”

Humes also shared a post by best-selling authors All On The Board, who created a Transport for London board to pay tribute to Cattermole.

It highlighted the band’s hit singles, including the words: “So many of us had a dream come true when it was announced the group would bring it all back and were reuniting to perform on stage.

“It’s so sad that we now say goodbye to you at such a young age.”

Liberty X star Michelle Heaton also shared a picture of S Club 7 in their heyday on Instagram, along with the caption: “Sending love & prayers to my friends and Paul’s family at this very sad time #rippaul.”

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Myleene Klass, who rose to fame in Hear’Say, wrote: “Unbelievably sad. RIP Paul.”

Her fellow Hear’Say star Suzanne Shaw added: “Devastated to hear the heartbreaking news of Paul’s passing. So young. RIP Paul.”

Atomic Kitten stars Natasha Hamilton and Liz McClarnon also paid tribute, with Hamilton writing “Oh my gosh, this is so sad to read. Thoughts & prayers are with Paul, his family and all the band at this devastating time. RIP.”

Made up of original members Rachel Stevens, Bradley McIntosh, Hannah Spearritt, Jo O’Meara, Jon Lee, Tina Barrett and Cattermole, S Club 7 had been due to be reunite in October for a 25th anniversary tour of the UK and Ireland.

The seven-piece pop group had hits including Reach, Don’t Stop Movin’ and Bring It All Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s.