Award-winning One Direction choreographer Paul Roberts dies aged 52

Acclaimed British choreographer Paul Roberts, who worked with the likes of One Direction, Sir Paul McCartney and Katy Perry, has died at the age of 52.

Roberts’ partner Phil Griffin announced the news on social media, revealing he died on Saturday evening after a ‘courageous battle with cancer’.

‘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,’ he said, alongside a picture of Roberts.

The VMA Award-winning stage director and choreographer trained at the Urdang Academy in London before working with broadcasters and touring productions.

Over his 25-year career, as per his website, Roberts worked with a huge amount of stars on their various tours, TV work, creative projects and music videos, including Harry Styles, Girls Aloud, Alicia Keys, Prince, Diana Ross, James Corden, Zayn Malik, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, Take That, Niall Horan, Craig David, Katherine Jenkins, Annie Lennox, Mariah Carey, Kings of Leon, Ellie Goulding, Pixie Lott, McFly, Bon Jovi, Bastille, Dame Shirley Bassey and Dolly Parton.

Rest in peace Paul Roberts????️ paul sadly passed away yesterday evening after losing his battle with cancer.Liam’s waiting for him up there???????? #paulroberts #onedirection #restinpeaceangel #harrystyles #choreography

Notably, he worked on Styles’ Treat People With Kindness video, which won him a VMA in 2021, and devised choreography for One Direction videos including Kiss You, Steal My Girl and Best Song Ever, over a five-year period.

Fans have shared behind the scenes footage of Niall, Harry, Louis, Zayn and the late Liam Payne working on 1D with Roberts in recognition of his close relationship to the band.

He also worked on the Spice Girls reunion tour, Sam Smith’s The Thrill Of It All world tour, Robbie Williams’ One Night At The Palladium, and beloved TV series I Hate Suzie, starring Billie Piper.

Fans and music industry friends have rushed to pay tribute to Roberts, with Louis Tomlinson’s sister Lottie posting a heartbroken emoji on the announcement.

Spice Girl Emma Bunton, who worked with Roberts on her Christmas Special at the Royal Albert Hall as well as the Spice Girls reunion, wrote: ‘My heart is broken ????being in his company was my happy place. Thinking of you @thephilgriffin sending love to you and all his family.’

Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts said: ‘Waking to the saddest news. So unbelievably sorry @thephilgriffin ???? Paul was such a beautiful light and we were very lucky to have him as our first introduction. Sending all my love xx’

Bandmate Kimberley Walsh added: ‘This is the saddest news I’m so so sorry @thephilgriffin ????. Paul was very special indeed. Sending you all my love.’

Sophie Ellis-Bextor wrote: ‘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.’

Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins said: ‘Devastated ???????? What an incredible human Paul was x Sending Tonnes of Love.’

Craig David called him an angel, writing: ‘Your angel now & then ????️ Always here for you my friend.’

Blue’s Antony Costa also paid tribute, penning: ‘You were a big ball of energy when you walked into the room ..the laughs we had on tour. You will be forever missed x.’

One Direction’s former live drummer Josh Devine said: ‘Ahhh man. ???? One amazing human being right there. The sweetest person. So much love to all who knew and loved him. RIP Paul. You legend x.’

Pixie Lott added: ‘Sending so much love to you phil ❤️❤️❤️ ???? what an amazing, special, talented, one of a kind, glowing man I treasure our times so so much and am absolutely heartbroken.’

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