Paul Roberts, former choreographer to the stars, has died at age 52 following a battle with cancer.
News of Roberts’ death was confirmed Sunday by his long-term partner Phil Griffin, who said that the dancer — who had worked with One Direction and the Spice Girls — had died the night before.
“On the evening of 26th September 2025 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🤍,” Griffin wrote on Instagram.
Stars including Sam Smith, Emma Bunton and “Murder On The Dancefloor” singer Sophie Ellis Bextor rushed to the comments section to pay their respects.
“This is heartbreaking,” wrote Smith, whose “The Thrill Of It All” world tour was choreographed by Roberts.
“My thoughts and heart is 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 💛.”
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.”
Meanwhile, Bunton — who is also known as Baby Spice — 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. ❤️.”
Roberts was one of the most sought-after choreographers in the world, and had collaborated with global superstars including Katy Perry, Sir Paul McCartney and Harry Styles.
He had also worked with the Spice Girls on their 2019 reunion tour, and with Styles during his “Treat People With Kindness” music video, for which he won an MTV VMA for Best choreography in 2021.
He and Styles had boasted a close friendship after having originally worked together during One Direction’s heydays on music videos for “Steal My Girl,” “Best Song Ever” and “Kiss You.”
“It was always really interesting working with One Direction,” Roberts told the BBC in 2021.
“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.”
“In personal moments you got to see them flourish. They’d mess around doing silly dance moves but I’d think, ‘Actually if you wanted to dance really well you sure as hell could do it,’” he added.
During his glittering 25-year career, Roberts had also worked with Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran and Dolly Parton.
