Spice Girls pay heartfelt tribute to their ‘incredibly talented and wonderful’ tour choreographer Paul Roberts following his tragic death aged 52

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The Spice Girls have shared a heartfelt tribute to choreographer Paul Roberts after he sadly passed away at the age of 52.

The news of Paul’s death was shared by his partner of many years, Phil Griffin. He confirmed that the gifted dancer died on Saturday night after fighting cancer.

He collaborated with Mel B, Emma Bunton, Melanie C, and Geri Halliwell during their Spice World tour in 2019, taking on the roles of both choreographer and stage director.

The girl group posted a tribute on their official Instagram account on Tuesday, sharing many photos of them with him and expressing how fortunate they were to have known him.

We’d like to acknowledge that @_paul_roberts played a key role in our 2019 tour. His shows were filled with his obvious creativity, enthusiasm, and positive spirit.

Beyond being exceptionally skilled, Paul was a truly kind and lovely person. He naturally spread joy and optimism. We all felt fortunate to have known him and to have enjoyed friendships with him that extended beyond their work together.

We are heartbroken to hear of his death and extend our deepest sympathy to his husband, @thephilgriffin, and all of Paul’s loved ones during this incredibly challenging time. Paul will be greatly missed ❤️.

The photos captured the band – excluding Victoria Beckham – rehearsing their choreography with Paul and happily posing for pictures together behind the scenes.

As a longtime fan, I’ve always been amazed by Paul’s work! Over his incredible 25-year career, he’s collaborated with so many huge stars. I mean, just think about it – Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, even modern icons like Ed Sheeran and Take That! And let’s not forget legends like Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton. It’s a truly impressive list!

He was also the choreographer for Sam Smith’s The Thrill Of It All world tour, and Robbie Williams’ One Night At The Palladium.

In addition to his work with musical groups, he created dance sequences for television and contributed to the Sky series I Hate Suzie starring Billie Piper.

Paul’s longtime partner, Phil, announced his death on Instagram on Sunday. He wrote: ‘Yesterday evening, after a brave fight against cancer, Paul peacefully passed away at home, with his family by his side. His passing, like his life, was marked by grace. RIP.’

Emma was among the first to express her sadness about the unfortunate news, leading other celebrities in offering their sympathy in the comments section.

She shared: ‘I’m heartbroken. Being with him used to make me so happy. Sending my love to you @thephilgriffin, and to all of his family.’

Many other singers from popular girl groups also shared their respects, such as Nicola Roberts and Kimberley Walsh from Girls Aloud, Nicole Appleton of All Saints, and Natasha Hamilton from Atomic Kitten.

Nicola shared: ‘I woke up to some very sad news. I’m deeply sorry for the loss of @Philgriffin’s Paul. He was a truly wonderful person, and we felt so fortunate to have met him first. Sending all my love xx’.

Kimberley also shared: ‘This is incredibly sad news, and I’m so very sorry @thephilgriffin. Paul truly was a special person. Sending all my love ❤️ to everyone.’

Nicole wrote: ‘I’m really struggling with this!! I’m going to miss you terribly!! You filled our often-crazy lives with so much love, joy, and genuine happiness!! I’ll always cherish the memory of ‘Ben’ – ‘the two of us need look no more!’ Sending all my love to you, my dear, and your family’.

And Natasha shared: ‘I’m shocked and saddened by what I’m reading, Phil. I’m so sorry for your loss. Paul created a million wonderful memories. It’s been amazing to see how full and incredible his life became – today is a truly sad day. Sending you my thoughts and lots of love x’.

Singer Sam, who collaborated with Paul on their 2018 world tour, expressed his deep sadness upon hearing the news, stating: ‘This is heartbreaking. My thoughts and heart are with Paul’s family and friends during this difficult time.

Paul truly brightened the lives of those around him. I will always remember how kind and full of life he was. The impact he had on the people he cared for will remain forever. Paul’s spirit lives on.

Sophie Ellis Bextor shared: ‘That’s incredibly sad news. Paul was a truly special person. He wasn’t just very talented, but also kind, warm-hearted, considerate, and a lot of fun. I’m deeply saddened to learn of his passing. Sending my love and condolences to everyone who knew him. Xxxxx’.

Strictly star Layton Williams shared: ‘One of the kindest, most beautiful souls. It was an honour to know and work for you, Paul. Sleep well, beautiful man.’

Among the big names Paul had worked with was One Direction, choreographing a slew of their biggest music videos, as well as with Harry Styles during his solo career.

He created the dance routines for One Direction’s music videos, like Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever, and Kiss You. He also choreographed Harry’s Treat People With Kindness, which earned him an MTV VMA award for Best Choreography in 2021.

When discussing his experiences with the boy band, Paul shared with the BBC in 2021: ‘It was always really interesting working with One Direction.‘

I quickly realized there was something special about them. It became clear they possessed talents beyond just being an attractive five-piece, and later four-piece, band.

You could really see them come alive in more relaxed settings. They’d goof around and do funny dances, and it made me think, “They definitely have the potential to be really good dancers if they put their minds to it.”

Simon Jones, the publicist for Louis Tomlinson and Niall Horan, expressed his sadness, stating: ‘So sad to hear this news about such an incredible person. Sending much love and light’. Meanwhile, Louis’ sister, Lottie Tomlinson, shared a broken heart emoji.

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2025-10-01 11:04