Remembering Paul Roberts: The Dancer Who Choreographed Stars and Won Hearts
DANCE QUEEN PASSES ON: Paul Roberts, Renowned Choreographer Behind Spice Girls and One Direction's Iconic Moves, Dies at 52 After Brave Battle with Cancer
In a shocking and heart-wrenching turn of events, the dance world has lost one of its brightest stars. Paul Roberts, the talented choreographer behind some of the biggest names in music, including the Spice Girls and One Direction, has passed away at the age of 52 after a courageous battle with cancer.
According to his long-term partner Phil Griffin's emotional post on social media, Paul slipped away peacefully at home surrounded by his loved ones. The news sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, leaving fans and friends devastated and heartbroken.
Sam Smith, one of the many stars who worked with Paul on numerous projects, was among the first to pay tribute, sharing a heartfelt message that perfectly captured the essence of the beloved choreographer's sparkling personality. "This is heartbreaking," Sam wrote. "My thoughts and heart are 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."
But Paul's influence went far beyond just music. He was an industry icon, working with an A-list roster of stars including Katy Perry, Sir Paul McCartney, and even Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Dame Shirley Bassey, and Dolly Parton over his 25-year career.
His incredible work on One Direction's music videos, including Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever, and Kiss You, earned him widespread recognition and acclaim. In fact, Paul was behind the choreography for the boy band's hit video for Treat People With Kindness, which won an MTV VMA for Best Choreography in 2021.
In a candid interview with the BBC in 2021, Paul revealed what it was like working with One Direction. "It was always really interesting working with One Direction," he said. "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."
But Paul's passion for dance extended far beyond the music industry. He also choreographed for TV, working on hit shows like Billie Piper's Sky series I Hate Suzie. And with a career spanning over two decades, he had his fair share of iconic moments, including choreographing Sam Smith’s The Thrill Of It All world tour and Robbie Williams’ One Night At The Palladium.
As fans took to social media to pay their respects, tributes poured in from all corners of the entertainment industry. Emma Bunton, one of Paul's closest friends and collaborators, shared a heartfelt message: "My heart is broken being in his company was my happy place. Thinking of you @thephilgriffin sending love to you and all his family."
Sophie Ellis Bextor added her own tribute: "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 anymore. Sending lots of love to all who knew him."
But it wasn't just the Spice Girls' camp that mourned the loss of this dance legend. One Direction's Louis Tomlinson took to social media with a heartbroken emoji, while his sister Lottie shared her own grief.
Even Strictly Come Dancing star Layton Williams paid tribute: "One of the kindest most beautiful souls. Was an honour to know and have worked for you Paul. Sleep well beautiful man."
As news of Paul's passing spread like wildfire on social media, fans from all walks of life joined in paying their respects. Girls' Aloud's Nicola Roberts 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."
And with that, the world said goodbye to an incredible talent who left behind a legacy of magic and sparkle. Rest in peace, Paul Roberts.
Contributions from other sources:
- Lottie Tomlinson: Layton Williams: Nicola Roberts: Emma Bunton:
