S Club 7 have shared an emotional video updating fans on their touring plans after the death of bandmate Paul Cattermole, reports The Manc.
The group shared a video thanking fans for all their support and giving an update on their 25th anniversary reunion tour, which involves a stop here in Leeds this autumn.
Notably absent from the video was Hannah Spearritt, who they confirmed has stepped back from the huge tour in light of the tragic news.
But the remaining five members of the pop group, visibly tearful, confirmed that they would be continuing with the live shows in Paul's memory.
S Club 7 also announced that their tour would be rebranded to The Good Times tour in his honour.
In the video shared by Jon Lee, Jo O'Meara, Rachel Stevens, Tina Barrett and Bradley McIntosh, the group paid tribute to their late friend.
Jon said: "Sorry it's been a while since you've heard from us, but in all honesty we've been in a bit of shock and it's taken a while for us to find the right words to describe how we feel about losing our brother Paul."
Rachel added: "Just taking the time to process and get our heads around it all, and also taking time to share time together so that we can remember Paul and all the memories that we had together."
A tearful Jo O'MearaThe remaining members held each other tightly in the video
Tina said: "It's just really sad. It's really really hard to process it right now."
Bradley then added: "We're all in still in so much disbelief. Paul was a big brother to us, all of us, and even you guys out there. He truly was a unique specimen of human being. No one could ever ever replace our Paul. But he lives on inside each and every one of us."
Jo said through her tears: "Whenever Paul would walk into the room, you definitely knew that he was there, because he would just light it up with humour and love and... just a really special person. That's it."
Moving on to the S Club 7 tour updates, Jon said: "You've probably noticed that there's only five of us here today, and although Hannah will always be a part of S Club 7, she won't be joining us on this tour. But we wish her all the best for the future.
"However the five of us are really excited and geared up to crack on. It's gonna be our tribute to Paul. So we are actually renaming the tour, The Good Times tour, which is the song that Paul was going to sing- sorry."
At this point he chokes up and stops speaking, but Tina steps in and continues: "Yeah we're calling the tour The Good Times tour in tribute to Paul, because that was his song and all the fans know that that was his song. It just feels right."
"He's always going to be with us," Rachel said. "He was such a huge part of this tour, so involved in everything that we are planning. We're just going to keep his memory alive and share it with all of you, and it's gonna make it even more special."
Jo finished: "Thank you to all the fans out there that have sent so many beautiful messages to us all. We'll see you all really soon guys."
Tickets for S Club 7's tour are on sale now with See Tickets. They will perform at the First Direct Arena in Leeds as part of the UK tour on 20 October 2023
It's official, Uniqlo is making its way to Leeds. Well, it's about time isn't it?
You may remember last June that murmurings of Uniqlo opening in Leeds were happening.
The news spread after planning documents appeared for new ‘Uniqlo’ signage on the Store House building on Briggate.
We've been keeping our fingers crossed that the news was actually true, and it is.
Uniqlo themselves have confirmed that three new stores will be popping up across the UK over the next two years, with one of them being right here in Leeds.
Image: The Hoot Leeds
Their first store of the roll-out opened in Birmingham's Bullring, followed by a new store in Bristol this year.
Leeds was also meant to open this year, but unfortunately, Uniqlo has announced things are delayed and its opening will be pushed into 2027.
The Leeds store will be 1,100 square metres and will be located on Briggate in the old House of Fraser site.
CGI mockups from firms Thirty One Design and Ink Associates include the glass fronted store with Uniqlo’s signature red signage hanging above the door and off the building.
These will be made from sheet metal with a “sprayed finish” – sounds pretty swanky if you ask us.
Uniqlo UK COO Alessandro Dudech stated: "Uniqlo remains committed to strengthening its presence within the UK retail sector by expanding both our physical store network and ecommerce capabilities nationwide.
"As part of this strategic initiative, we look forward to introducing Uniqlo to the communities and visitors in the North of England, at the new Leeds location and simultaneously reaching customers in the South West in Bristol's Cabot Circus.".
Uniqlo is known for its affordable and minimalist clothing, stocking everything from raincoats and puffer jackets to jeans and a wide range of accessories.
We’ll keep you updated on the timeframe, as to be honest we’re just as excited as you are to be welcoming Uniqlo to the high street.
Police urgently appeal after teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over bank holiday weekend
Emily Sergeant
Detectives are appealing for witnesses after a teenage boy was stabbed in Leeds over the bank holiday weekend.
West Yorkshire Police explained that officers were called out to Roundhay Road at around at 6:05pm on Monday 31 August following reports that a 13-year-old boy had been stabbed, and once they arrived on the scene, the victim was located and subsequently taken to hospital, where he received treatment for an injury described as non-life-threatening.
Police say the incident occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival, but are keen to assure the public that they believe this was an 'isolated and targeted' act.
Following further enquiries, it is now believed that the actual offence occurred on Shepherd’s Lane, potentially near the junction with Back Hares Avenue.
Investigating officers have released information on the suspect and identified several people they are keen to speak to.
As the police investigation is ongoing, Detective Chief Inspector Scott Hartley commented: "This is clearly a concerning incident in which a young teenage boy has suffered a significant stab wound.
"We have extensive enquiries ongoing, including house to house enquiries and reviewing CCTV. We are conscious though that this offence has occurred near to the Leeds West Indian Carnival and there will have been a large number of people in the vicinity who may not necessarily be from the Chapeltown area.
“The suspect for this offence is described as being male, around 15-16 years-old and was wearing a balaclava. He was with two girls. We are keen to speak to anyone who believes they may have seen this group in the area or who witnessed any part of this incident.
"Although this was a serious incident, our enquiries so far suggest it was an isolated and targeted act... [and] we remain focused on identifying those responsible and providing reassurance to the community."
Can you help? Anyone with information is asked to contact Leeds CID online, or by calling 101, quoting crime reference 13260496572.
Alternatively, information can be given anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
The Hoot -
15th May 2023 
