Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 1, 2025 · Entertainment

Spice Girls Honor Their Beloved Choreographer Paul Roberts

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)

Spice Girls Pay Heartfelt Tribute to Beloved Choreographer Paul Roberts After His Shocking Demise at 52

In a devastating turn of events, the entertainment world is mourning the loss of Paul Roberts, the talented choreographer who left an indelible mark on the music industry. The news of his passing has sent shockwaves among fans and fellow artists alike, with the Spice Girls leading the tributes to their dear friend.

According to sources close to the family, Paul passed away peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones after a courageous battle with cancer. His partner of many years, Phil Griffin, shared the heartbreaking news on social media, describing his passing as "filled with grace" – a testament to the kind of person he was.

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

The Spice Girls were among the first to pay their respects to Paul, sharing a series of heartfelt messages and photos on Instagram. Mel B, Emma Bunton, Melanie C, and Geri Halliwell took to the platform to express their grief, reminiscing about the time they spent with Paul during their 2019 tour, Spice World.

"Paul was an integral part of our 2019 tour," they wrote in unison. "His creativity, passion, and joy for life were 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 photos shared by the Spice Girls showed the quintet having the time of their lives with Paul – laughing, dancing, and posing for beaming snaps backstage. The images captured the essence of Paul's infectious energy and warm personality, which left a lasting impact on everyone he met.

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

Paul's illustrious career spanned over two decades, during which he worked with an impressive array of stars, including Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny's Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Dame Shirley Bassey, and Dolly Parton. He choreographed Sam Smith's The Thrill Of It All world tour and Robbie Williams' One Night At The Palladium, cementing his status as one of the industry's most sought-after professionals.

However, it was during his time with One Direction that Paul truly showcased his magic. As the choreographer behind their iconic music videos – including Steal My Girl, Best Song Ever, and Kiss You – he brought out the best in the talented boy band. His work on Harry Styles' Treat People With Kindness earned him a prestigious MTV VMA for Best Choreography in 2021.

One Direction's Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, and their publicist Simon Jones were among those who paid tribute to Paul, sharing heartfelt messages of condolence. "Paul was an incredible person," wrote Simon. "So sad to hear this news."

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 outpouring of love and support for Paul has been overwhelming, with fellow artists and industry professionals alike sharing their own memories and experiences with him. Girls Aloud's Nicola Roberts, All Saints' Nicole Appleton, and Atomic Kitten's Natasha Hamilton were among those who took to social media to express their grief.

"It's hard to put into words how sad I am," wrote Nicola. "Paul was such a beautiful light in our lives."

As the news of Paul's passing continues to spread, fans are taking to social media to share their own tributes and memories of the beloved choreographer. The outpouring of love is a testament to the profound impact he had on so many lives.

The snaps showed the band - minus Victoria Beckham - practicing their moves with Paul and posing for beaming snaps together backstage

In the words of Sophie Ellis Bextor: "Paul was so special... warm, sweet, thoughtful, and fun." It's clear that Paul Roberts will be deeply missed by all who knew him – his legacy will live on through the countless memories and performances that he brought to life.

Tributes Roll In for Beloved Choreographer Paul Roberts

  • The Spice Girls: "We are deeply saddened by his passing... We were all lucky to know him and share friendships beyond the tour."
  • Emma Bunton: "My heart is broken... Being in his company was my happy place. Thinking of you @thephilgriffin, sending love to you and all his family"
  • Nicola Roberts (Girls Aloud): "Waking up 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."
  • Kimberley Walsh (Girls Aloud): "This is the saddest news I'm so so sorry @thephilgriffin. Paul was very special indeed."
  • Nicole Appleton (All Saints): "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!'"
  • Natasha Hamilton (Atomic Kitten): "I can't believe what I'm reading- I am so sorry to hear this Phil. A million wonderful memories with Paul."
  • Sam Smith: "This is heartbreaking... My thoughts and heart are with all of Paul's family and friends at this hard time."
  • Sophie Ellis Bextor: "That is so sad... Paul was so special. So talented, yes, but also warm and sweet and thoughtful and fun."

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)

The Scholarly Note wishes to extend its condolences to Paul Roberts' loved ones during this difficult time. His legacy will live on through the countless performances and memories that he brought to life.

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

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)