‘He passed away gently at home… surrounded by love’: Heartbreak as One Direction and Steps choreographer Paul Roberts dies aged 52 after brave cancer battle – devastated stars hail him ‘the kindest, most beautiful soul’ - suong
Posted September 29, 2025
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.
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Paul Roberts has died after a cancer battle aged 52
Credit: Instagram
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The VMA award winning choreographer worked with Harry Styles on his Treat People With Kindness music videoCredit: Instagram
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Paul choreographed for One Direction at the height of their fame
Credit: Instaragm/@_paul_roberts
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.'"
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Paul posing alongside Mel B on a former projectCredit: Instagram
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The dance expert pictured with Niall HoranCredit: Instagram
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A behind the scenes snap with Harry shared by Paul in 2017
Credit: Instagram
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Heartfelt tributes have poured in for the dance epert
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Devin Haney dismisses Brian Norman Jr’s Tokyo triumph trucc
DEVIN HANEY is refusing to read too much into Brian Norman Jr’s latest success.
On November 22 in Riyadh Haney challenges Norman for the WBO welterweight title looking to become a three-weight world champion. Earlier this summer Norman, 28-0 (22 KOs), travelled to Tokyo’s Ota-City General Gymnasium and defended his championship in style, stopping Jin Sasaki, 19-2-1 (17 KOs), inside five rounds. The American’s reputation as one of the division’s biggest punchers was reinforced, but Haney remains unconvinced by the level of opposition.
“He did what he’s supposed to do. Did he knock him out? Did he show strength? Absolutely. But it was against a guy that we’ve never heard of, or that I’ve never heard of at least. And I watch boxing 24/7. I watch all these fights. I never heard of that guy. He’s not a guy at the elite level.
“So, did he do what he’s supposed to do against him? Absolutely. He did good. He did. He knocked him out and he showed power, but that was against a guy that is not at the top level. I’ve been fighting the top guys, the best of the best for years now,” Haney told Boxing News.
The 26-year-old has a résumé to back up that statement. As a former undisputed lightweight champion and WBC super-lightweight champion, Haney has already shared the ring with George Kambosos Jr, Vasyl Lomachenko, Regis Prograis, Ryan Garcia and Jose Carlos Ramirez. Now competing at welterweight, he is determined to show his best form after a flat performance against Ramirez earlier this year.
“One hundred and forty pounds was super hard for me to make,” he explained. “I felt depleted when I went in for the Ryan fight. I did come into camp pretty heavy [for] that fight. Not making no excuses or nothing as far as that but I just didn’t I didn’t feel myself at 140. I didn’t feel as good as I felt in the Regis fight at 140. When I just fought at 144 I felt super good and I think at 147 I’ll feel even better.”
