The Spice Girls have paid a poignant tribute to choreographer Paul Roberts, following his tragic death aged 52.
Paul’s devastating passing was announced by his long-term partner Phil Griffin, who confirmed the talented dancer had passed away on Saturday evening following a battle with cancer.
He had worked with Mel B, Emma Bunton, Melanie C and Geri Halliwell on their 2019 tour, Spice World, serving as both choreographer and stage director.
And the girl group took to their official Instagram on Tuesday to pay tribute, sharing a slew of photos of them together and gushing that they were ‘lucky to know him’.
They wrote: ‘@_paul_roberts was an integral part of our 2019 tour. His creativity, passion and joy for life was evident throughout our shows.
‘As well as being incredibly talented, Paul was simply a wonderful person. He radiated happiness and positivity. We were all lucky to know him and share friendships beyond the tour.
The Spice Girls have paid a poignant tribute to choreographer Paul Roberts, following his tragic death aged 52 (pictured middle with Melanie C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Mel B)
Paul’s devastating passing was announced by his long-term partner Phil Griffin, who confirmed the talented dancer had passed away on Saturday evening following a battle with cancer
He had worked with Mel B , Emma Bunton , Melanie C and Geri Halliwell on their 2019 tour, Spice World, serving as both choreographer and stage director
‘We are deeply saddened by his passing and are sending love to his husband @thephilgriffin and all of Paul’s family and friends at this very difficult time. We will miss you Paul ❤️’.
The snaps showed the band – minus Victoria Beckham – practicing their moves with Paul and posing for beaming snaps together backstage.
Over his 25-year career, Paul worked with a huge amount of stars including Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton.
He also choreographed Sam Smith’s The Thrill Of It All world tour and Robbie Williams’ One Night At The Palladium.
As well as working with bands, he also choreographed for TV and worked on Billie Piper’s Sky series I Hate Suzie.
His long-term partner Phil shared the news of his death with Instagram followers on Sunday, writing: ‘Yesterday evening. after a courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away gently at home, surrounded by his family. His departure, much like his life, was filled with grace RIP.’
And Emma had been one of the first to share her heartbreak at the sad news, as she led the stars taking to the comments to send their condolences.
She wrote: ‘My heart is broken being in his company was my happy place. Thinking of you @thephilgriffin sending love to you and all his family’.
And the girl group took to their official Instagram on Tuesday to pay tribute, sharing a slew of photos of them together and gushing that they were ‘lucky to know him’
The snaps showed the band – minus Victoria Beckham – practicing their moves with Paul and posing for beaming snaps together backstage
Over his 25-year career, Paul worked with a huge amount of stars including Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton (pictured with Mel B)
Emma had been one of the first to share her heartbreak at the sad news, as she led the stars taking to the comments to send their condolences
A slew of fellow girl band stars also paid tribute, including Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, All Saints member Nicole Appleton and Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton.
Nicola wrote: ‘Waking to the saddest news. So unbelievably sorry @Philgriffin Paul was such a beautiful light and we were very lucky to have him as our first introduction. Sending all my love xx’.
While Kimberley added: ‘This is the saddest news I’m so so sorry @thephilgriffin. Paul was very special indeed. Sending you all my love ❤️’.
Nicole penned: ‘I can’t actually cope!! I will truly miss you!! You brought so much love and joy and pure happiness to our chaotic world!! And remembering our song ‘Ben the two of us need look no more!’ Sending love to you my darling and your family’.
And Natasha added: ‘I can’t believe what I’m reading- I am so sorry to hear this Phil. A million wonderful memories with Paul. I’ve watched how incredible his life became after all of those – what a sad day. Thinking about you today & sending so much love x’.
Singer Sam, who worked with Paul on their 2018 world tour, also shared his devastation at the news, writing: ‘This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and heart is with all of Paul’s family and friends at this hard time.
‘Paul was a light in this world. I’ll never forget his kindness and his sparkle. His magic will never leave the people he loved. Paul is Everlasting’.
Sophie Ellis Bextor added: ‘That is so sad. Paul was so special. So talented, yes, but also warm and sweet and thoughtful and fun. I’m so sorry to hear he’s not here any more. Sending lots of love to all who knew him. Xxxxx’.
A slew of fellow girl band stars also paid tribute, including Girls Aloud stars Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh, All Saints member Nicole Appleton and Atomic Kitten’s Natasha Hamilton
Among the big names Paul had worked with was One Direction (seen) choreographing a slew of their biggest music videos, as well as with Harry Styles during his solo career
He devised the choreography for One Direction videos such including Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever and Kiss You, as well as Harry’s Treat People With Kindness – which won him an MTV VMA for Best choreography in 2021 (seen with Harry)
And Strictly star Layton Williams said: ‘One of the kindest most beautiful souls. Was an honour to know and have worked for you Paul. Sleep well beautiful man.’
He devised the choreography for One Direction videos such including Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever and Kiss You, as well as Harry’s Treat People With Kindness – which won him an MTV VMA for Best choreography in 2021.
Speaking about his time with the boy band, Paul told the BBC in 2021: ‘It was always really interesting working with One Direction.
‘I knew very early on that there was a magic about them and I could see they had other skill-sets aside from being this very good-looking five-piece, and then four-piece, band.
‘In personal moments you got to see them flourish. They’d mess around doing silly dance moves but I’d think, “Actually if you wanted to dance really well you sure as hell could do it”.’
Publicist to bandmembers Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, Simon Jones, commented: ‘So sad to hear this news about such an incredible person. Sending much love and light’, while Louis’ sister Lottie Tomlinson shared a broken heart emoji.
