Paul Roberts dead: One Direction choreographer tragically dies age 52

Paul Robert, a choreographer who worked with One Direction and Steps, has passed away following a battle with cancer. The star died at home on Friday evening, surrounded by his loving family, after being diagnosed with the illness. On his Instagram page, his family paid tribute to Paul as they penned with heavy hearts: "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." Celebrities have been paying tribute following the news, with Girls Aloud star Kimberly Walsh writing: "This is the saddest news. I'm so so sorry @thephilgriffin. Paul was very special indeed. Sending you all my love."

Murder on the Dancefloor singer Sophie Ellis Bextor said: "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."

Singer Craig David wrote: "Your angel now & then. Always here for you, my friend."

Steps' Ian 'H' Watkins wrote: "Devastated. What an incredible human Paul was. Sending [tons] of love." Meanwhile, Louis Tomlinson's sister Lottie also shared a heartbroken emoji.

A fan shared: "The 1D family lost another member. I'm so sorry, sending so much love to his family and loved ones." Paul's death comes almost a year after One Direction star Liam Payne tragically died after falling from a balcony.

Paul worked with some of the biggest names in music during his two decades in the industry, including the Spice Girls and One Direction.

In recent years, he has worked with Harry Styles on his Treat People With Kindness, which earned him and the team a VMA for Best Choreography in 2021.

Paul shared at the time: "Wow, huge news to wake up too. I can't believe we've won a Moon Man @vmas #tpwk #bestchoreography You really loved our dance! Thank you so much for all the messages - I will get around to replying, probably after a margarita or two. We must celebrate, I'm all giddy. For the love of dance."