The music community has lost the mastermind behind some of their best dance moves.
Paul Roberts, a renowned choreographer with credits working with One Direction, the Spice Girls, Sam Smith and more, died Sept. 26 after a cancer battle. He was 52.
“On the evening of 26th September 2025 after a courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away gently at home, surrounded by his family,” a statement shared to the choreographer’s Instagram Sept. 28 read. “His departure, much like his life, was filled with grace. RIP.”
In response to the loss of the choreographer, who worked closely with Harry Styles, Louis Tomlinson, Niall Horan, Zayn Malik and the late Liam Payne for the entirety of their time as a band, many of Paul’s collaborators and friends shared memories of their experiences together.
Louis’ sister Lottie Tomlinson, who often traveled with her brother on tour assisting in the band’s hair and makeup department, added a crying and broken heart emoji under the post, while One Direction guitarist Sandy Beales wrote, “An amazing man, one of the true gems to be around, sending massive love to his family!”
Meanwhile, the “Like I Can” singer, who worked with Paul on the Thrill of it All tour in 2018, also shared a tribute message.
“This is heartbreaking,” Sam wrote. “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.”
Although One Direction went on hiatus in late 2016, Harry remained a close friend to Paul, having stepped out with him in early August for lunch in London. They also continued to work together post-One Direction, including on his 2021 music video for “Treat People With Kindness,” alongside Phoebe Waller-Bridge, which earned the choreographer an MTV Video Music Award.
“I’m honestly truly grateful for this creation and its process,” Paul wrote of the music video in a 2021 Instagram post, adding of Harry, “most of all I’m grateful for this man’s loyalty, friendship and continued belief in me.”