Renowned Choreographer for One Direction and Harry Styles Paul Roberts Passes Away at 52

Paul Roberts, Renowned Choreographer, Dies at 52 After Battling Cancer

Celebrated Career in Choreography

Paul Roberts, a celebrated choreographer known for his work with top-tier music artists, has passed away at the age of 52 following a battle with cancer. His passing was confirmed by his long-term partner, Phil Griffin, who shared the news on social media. “On the evening of 26th September 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, Paul passed away gently at home, surrounded by his family,” Griffin wrote, highlighting Roberts’ graceful departure.

Tributes from Music Icons

Stars from the music industry, including Sam Smith, Emma Bunton, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, paid heartfelt tributes to Roberts on social media. With his impressive choreography career, Roberts had worked with industry legends like One Direction and the Spice Girls.

• Sam Smith expressed, “Paul was a light in this world. I’ll never forget his kindness and his sparkle.”
• Sophie Ellis-Bextor remembered him as “so special, warm, and thoughtful.”
• Emma Bunton, known as Baby Spice, shared, “My heart is broken. Being in his company was my happy place.”

Creating Iconic Performances

Roberts was instrumental in creating some of the most iconic performances in pop music. In 2021, he won an MTV VMA for Best Choreography for Harry Styles’ “Treat People With Kindness” music video. He also worked closely with Styles on several One Direction music videos such as “Steal My Girl,” “Best Song Ever,” and “Kiss You.”

Collaborations with Superstars

Throughout his 25-year career, Roberts collaborated with an array of global superstars, including Katy Perry, Sir Paul McCartney, and the Spice Girls during their 2019 reunion tour. His ability to bring out the best in performers, even when they were simply fooling around as he mentioned in a BBC interview, was remarkable.

A Legacy of Artistic Brilliance

Roberts’ influence extended beyond his professional connections. He worked with music legends such as Prince, Diana Ross, Destiny’s Child, Ed Sheeran, and Dolly Parton, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. Known for his artistry and warmth, Paul Roberts’ legacy will continue to inspire artists and choreographers around the world.

As the world remembers Paul Roberts, El-Balad pays tribute to a talent whose magic will never fade.