One Direction choreographer Paul Roberts dies aged 52 after battle with cancer as family pay tribute

A BELOVED One Direction and Steps choreographer has died aged 52 after a cancer battle.

Paul Roberts tragically passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday evening.

Paul Roberts, artist and VMA Award-winning choreographer, wearing a black turtleneck and black pants, stands in a doorway with ornate dark wood and gold trim.

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Paul Roberts has died after a cancer battle aged 52Credit: Instagram
The band One Direction (Niall Horan, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson, Liam Payne, and Harry Styles) standing in front of an iHeartRadio backdrop.

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Paul was a well-respected choreographer who worked with One DirectionCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Paul Roberts and Mel B pose with a third person.

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Paul posing alongside Mel B on a former projectCredit: Instagram

In an emotional tribute, his heartbroken family shared: “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 RIP.”

Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the dance expert since the sad news broke.

Strictly star Layton Williams wrote: “One of the kindest most beautiful souls. Was an honour to know and have worked for you Paul. Sleep well beautiful man.”

Louis Tomlinson’s sister Lottie commented a heartbroken emoji and Steps’ Ian ‘H’ Watkins wrote: “Devastated. What an incredible human Paul was. Sending [tons] of love.”

Kimberley Walsh added: “This is the saddest news I’m so so sorry @thephilgriffin.

“Paul was very special indeed. Sending you all my love.”

Paul had worked with Harry Styles on his Treat People With Kindness music video.

It saw the star bag the VMA gong for Best Choreography in 2021.

In previous years he was responsible for creating timeless master pieces for One Direction fans across the globe.

He was the genius behind videos such as Best Song Ever and Kiss You.

Speaking previoulsy about his time with the boy band, Paul told the BBC: “It was always really interesting working with One Direction.

“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.'”

A memorial image for Paul Roberts with his birth and death years and a quote about him.

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Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the dance epert

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