Whatever Happened To The Members Of S Club 7?
S Club 7 was an iconic pop group that dominated airwaves and MTV throughout the late '90s and early 2000s. The peppy group of seven became famous for No.1 hits like "S Club Party," "Bring It All Back," and "Never Had a Dream Come True." In 1999 and 2000, the group even starred in their own TV series, "S Club in Miami" and later "S Club 7 in L.A.," in which the group played versions of themselves. For a whole generation, there may never be another party quite like an S Club party.
The family-friendly group and their upbeat, catchy pop music have pretty much become symbols of their time. It's hard for any millennial to listen to their sunshine-infused music without feeling a twinge of nostalgia. But whatever became of the people behind the music? Here's what happened to Bradley, Jo, Tina, Rachel, Hannah, Paul, and Jon of S Club 7.
Bradley McIntosh joined an unsuccessful boy band after leaving S Club 7
Bradley McIntosh was one of the three boys in the group. You may remember him as the voice behind S Club 7's hit "Don't Stop Movin'." As McIntosh was one of the band's edgier members, whose style often veered from pop into hip hop, it's no surprise that he pretty much left pop music behind after the group disbanded. In 2006, McIntosh joined the ranks of Upper Street, a boy band that included former members of New Kids on The Block, Steps, 911, and Another Level. Unfortunately, Upper Street never really took off. Just one month after releasing their first single, the group disbanded.
Since his S Club 7 days, McIntosh has been busy, both personally and professionally. In 2017, the pop icon welcomed a son named Kairo. McIntosh has continued to flourish in the music industry as a songwriter and producer. He has also participated in numerous one-off performances with other former S Club 7 members. In 2023, McIntosh, along with all six of his former bandmates, announced their plans for an S Club 7 reunion tour. Along with his impressive career moves, the singer has also been making strides in the gym. In early 2023, McIntosh flaunted his buff bod on his Instagram page.
Hannah Spearritt experienced ups and downs after S Club 7 broke up
Hannah Spearritt has a sense of humor when it comes to her S Club 7 days. When she was shown an old clip of herself on "Lorraine," the singer exclaimed: "I literally look like a 12-year-old boy!" (via YouTube). Spearritt has certainly come into her own over the years — she has even said farewell to her '90s haircut! After S Club 7, Spearritt ventured into acting, scoring roles in "Primeval," "Casualty," and "EastEnders."
The budding actor didn't limit herself to roles in film and TV — she has also appeared in a few stage productions. In 2019, she played the fairy godmother in a pantomime version of "Cinderella." In addition to performing, Spearritt has numerous other passions that she enjoys sharing with fans. The singer's Instagram page is a glorious assortment of S Club 7 nostalgia, skincare recommendations, and healthy foods. Spearritt also uses social media to share updates about her two adorable daughters, Taya and Tora.
Unfortunately, Spearritt has struggled financially in the years following her S Club 7 fame. In a 2023 interview with The Sun, the star revealed that she and her family were homeless. Spearritt explained that despite generating a fortune in profits, the band members earned comparatively minuscule wages. Music executives — not the group members themselves — ended up cashing in on the group's success. "People think we must all be millionaires but sadly it's just not true," Spearritt said.
Jo O'Meara kept on singing
After S Club 7 parted ways, Jo O'Meara used her powerful voice to launch a solo career, releasing her first single "What Hurts the Most" in 2005. Later that year, O'Meara completed her solo album, "Relentless." Unfortunately, the record wasn't met with much success, and O'Meara's solo career seemed to grind to a halt. In 2007, she pivoted to television with an appearance on the show "Celebrity Big Brother." During the show, the former S Clubber engaged in bullying and racism toward her Indian co-star, Shilpa Shetty. O'Meara's behavior led to serious professional and financial consequences. In 2021, the disgraced singer expressed regret over the situation, telling The Sun: "If I could go back in time and change what happened then I would, but I can't."
O'Meara took another stab at a solo music career in 2021. The singer released her second album, "With Love," followed by a cover of Michael Jackson's Halloween anthem, "Thriller," the following year. Aside from her musical ventures, O'Meara has been busy raising her son, Lenny, who was born in 2008. The singer has also struggled with health issues stemming from herniated disks in her spine. After a series of back surgeries in 2022, O'Meara seemed ready to hit the stage again for S Club 7's 2023 reunion tour.
Jon Lee became an actor after S Club 7 split up
Since his pop star days, Jon Lee's career has taken a slightly different turn. These days, he's working as a West End actor as he revealed in an interview (via YouTube). According to Official London Theater, the singer-actor starred in "Oliver!" prior to his S Club 7 days. Later, when he performed a song from the musical "Les Miserables" at a concert, West End producers contacted him to see if he would audition for a role in the show. Lee got the role and has gone on to have a thriving stage career, starring in "Jersey Boys" and "Forever Plaid" (via What's On Stage). In 2018, Lee also turned to reality TV, appearing on the ITV show "Dinner Date" and looking for romance.
And what does Lee look like these days? Well, he looks remarkably similar to his early-aughts self. As Lee explained in an interview (via YouTube), the star has a pretty regimented lifestyle that keeps him looking and feeling his best. He's a vegetarian and frequently goes to the gym and practices yoga. Sounds like this S Club 7 alumnus has done pretty well for himself!
Rachel Stevens found solo success
Rachel Stevens went on to have a successful solo music career after S Club 7 disbanded. She released two solo albums — 2003's "Funky Dory" and 2005's "Come And Get It." Her singles "Sweet Dreams My LA Ex," "Some Girls," and "More More More," all reached the second or third spot on the U.K. charts.
While her solo career came to an end in 2005, Stevens has kept pretty busy. In 2019, she performed in a stage show called "Rip it Up The 70s." The pop icon has also dabbled in fashion. In 2022, Stevens partnered with Oasis to create The Rachel Stevens Collection which features dresses, pantsuits, and other chic apparel.
Stevens has also experienced some major changes in her personal life. In 2022, the singer split from her husband after 12 years of marriage. In a conversation with The Sun, Stevens admitted: "It's been really painful, really sad." Despite her heartbreak, she is focused on her career –– and on raising her daughters, Amalie and Minnie. Stevens has even hinted that her daughters are performers in the making. "We've always got music on in our house, my kids have now got the buzz," Stevens told The Daily Mail in 2020. "Amalie definitely wants to be a singer, that's going to be her career." It sounds like she's raising the next generation of pop stars!
Tina Barrett released new music in 2020
Tina Barrett, like many of her fellow ex-bandmates, has continued performing since S Club 7 broke up. The singer released a series of singles beginning in 2012, like "Fire," "Makin' Me Dance," and "All Fired Up." Apparently, Barrett was hoping to release a solo album, but it never materialized. Nevertheless, Barrett continues to release music; her latest single "Mwah Mwah" was released in January 2020.
Much like fellow S Club 7 members Jon Lee and Hannah Spearritt, Barrett seems to have a penchant for musical theater. In 2013, she starred in a production of "Beauty and the Beast" and in 2014, she played the Wicked Witch of the West in "The Wizard of Oz." Barrett has had a pretty busy personal life, too. In 2016, she gave birth to a son, Roman. "He looked so perfect ... I cried!" Barrett recalled (via The Sun).
Paul Cattermole died in 2023
In 2023, Paul Cattermole died unexpectantly at his home in Dorset, England. Before his death, Cattermole divulged his rocky history with S Club 7 to The Guardian. He and bandmate, Hannah Spearritt, dated on and off for five years — although he told the publication that the relationship was written into their show's script. In 2002, Cattermole decided to leave the group, saying: "It had got to the point where things were being handled so badly, I had to go." Cattermole confessed that the following years were tough, mostly because he never saw much of the money that S Club 7 made in their heyday.
By 2018, Cattermole was in serious debt and was found to be auctioning off his Brit Award on eBay. He later attempted to explain the decision on ITV's "Loose Women" saying he wished he'd have been able to sell the award quietly. In 2019, Cattermole appeared on the reality dating show "First Dates Hotel." The S Club 7 star broke down in tears on the show after revealing that his unusual life made relationships hard, as it caused him to hide his true self.
In 2023, Cattermole and his former bandmates revealed their plans for a reunion tour. Despite his troubled past, the announcement seemed like a turning point in Cattermole's career. However, Paul Cattermole passed away on April 6, 2023 — just six months before the tour was scheduled to kick off.
Paul Cattermole continued performing until his tragic death
Just a few weeks after the band announced their reunion tour, S Clubber Paul Cattermole died at the age of 46. Cattermole's family broke the devastating news, saying: "It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our beloved son and brother Paul Cattermole." The statement continued: "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" (via the BBC).
In the aftermath of his death, fans and fellow performers reflected on Cattermole's music career. After S Club 7 disbanded, the singing sensation founded a nu metal band called Skua. Despite the shift in his focus, it's clear that S Club 7 remained close to Cattermole's heart. The pop star reunited with the group on several occasions, including their 2015 reunion tour. Cattermole's final Instagram post even featured all seven members of the band. S Club 7 expressed their grief in a heartfelt statement that 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."
Fellow entertainers paid tribute to Paul Cattermole after his death
Paul Cattermole's death triggered an enormous outpouring of grief, especially from his former bandmates. Hannah Spearritt was reportedly hit hardest by the tragedy. According to a source, the former bandmate and ex-girlfriend of Cattermole was "inconsolable" over his death. "This has come out of nowhere and she is simply numb," the insider told The Daily Mail. Cattermole's legacy includes roles in the stage production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The show took to social media to honor the late star, posting a throwback video of Cattermole performing an S Club 7 song. The tribute stated: "Paul was a treasured cast member and we'll always remember him as an incredibly humble, kind and gentle man. We're grateful for the memories he gave us on and off the stage" (via the Mirror).
Paul Cattermole's death undoubtedly left a void in the lives of his friends and loved ones. A source told The Daily Mail that his bandmates want to honor his memory by proceeding with their 2023 reunion tour. "Paul was so excited ... That's why there are some members of S Club 7 who are determined the tour goes on. To them, it seems the perfect way to pay tribute to him," the source stated. Fans and fellow celebs swarmed social media with tributes for the late singer. Many fans reflected on how Cattermole, together with his S Club 7 bandmates, had impacted their lives.
Former members of S Club 7 formed a breakaway group
Even though S Club 7 split up in 2003, some of its members actually continued to perform together. In 2008, Paul Cattermole, Jo O'Meara, and Bradley McIntosh reunited under the name S Club 3. The group entertained clubgoers and student unions around the United Kingdom for years. According to HuffPost U.K., S Club 3 was the brainchild of Cattermole and McIntosh, who eventually pulled O'Meara into the project. Later, Tina Barrett joined in. In 2015, Cattermole exited the group, leaving O'Meara, McIntosh, and Barrett to continue as a three-piece act. The doors of S Club 3- ish continued to rotate for a while. In 2019, Hannah Spearritt entered the fold. Jo O'Meara departed from the group in 2020 in order to focus on her solo career. S Club 3 performed a lot of S Club 7 music — but in 2017, they released a brand new single. The song, "Family," was a charitable project to raise money for The Rainbow Trust children's charity.
The next evolution of S Club 7 was a humble two-piece featuring Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh. To compliment their new look, the duo bestowed themselves with a new name — S Club. Under their new moniker, Barrett and McIntosh rocked out at nightclubs and festivals until 2023, when the original S Club 7 announced their triumphant comeback.
S Club 7 got back together in 2015 for a reunion tour
For hardcore S Club 7 fans, 2015 was a special year. The entire gang got back together again for a brief arena reunion tour. While fans loved seeing the group reunited, the experience wasn't exactly pleasant for everyone involved, according to former band member Paul Cattermole. "There was a fall-out over whether we should be doing a dance troupe, Diversity-type show with choreography to backing tracks, or do what we've always done and have a live band," Cattermole explained to NME. He went on to say that he pushed so hard for live music and that "there was even shouting."
Based on Jo O'Meara's interview with The Sun, it sounds like the entire group agreed that a one-off tour was best. "It was a reunion tour, it's best to leave it short and sweet," she said. However, in the fall of 2019, fans got some seriously exciting news when a potential 20th-anniversary reunion tour was announced by the Mirror.
S Club 7 reunited for a comeback tour in 2023
25 years after their debut, S Club 7 may seem like somewhat of a relic these days. However, their impact on pop music is undeniable. That's why fans rejoiced in February of 2023 when the band announced their plans to embark on a European reunion tour. "We are very excited to say that we are going back out on tour in October," Rachel Stevens told BBC's "The One Show" during a group interview with her bandmates. "We're just so excited to get back out there and sing our hearts out and perform." Bradley McIntosh also chimed in, promising that the tour would be packed with positivity and noughties nostalgia.
On their Instagram account, the "Bring It All Back" crooners wrote: "We are over the moon to be able to get back on stage this October to celebrate 25 years since this unforgettable journey began." Fans flooded the comments to celebrate the news, with one person exclaiming: "My 10 year old self is SCREAMING!!!!!". Fans from outside of the U.K. and Ireland also responded, begging the group to add some international appearances to their highly-anticipated tour. If any doubt remains about S Club 7's relevance, just know that their first round of concert tickets sold out in just a few minutes!