Dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson, a one time star of Britain’s Got Talent, has died aged 38.
With her troupe Kings and Queens, she managed to reach the latter stages of series eight of the talent competition in 2014 and is being fondly remembered.
Cara Donaldson, her sister, announced the news late on Wednesday with a picture tribute on Facebook.
She wrote: “My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me. My beautiful baby sister is no longer with us and I don’t know how to process it.”
Who was Kerri-Anne Donaldson?
Kerri-Anne Donaldson was a dance performer with Kings and Queens – a group best known for their success on Britain’s Got Talent. She also performed as a professional on Dancing With the Stars Ireland and as a choreographer on The Masked Singer. Her parents Jacqui and Colin Donaldson are directors of Supadance National League, which Kerri-Anne was also affiliated to.
The cause of death has not yet been published.
How well did Kings and Queens do on Britain’s Got Talent?
The group reached the semi-finals of series eight in 2014. Along the way they won fans for their routines to Latin music.
Head judge Simon Cowell said on the show: “We’ve had some great dance groups on this show over the years … I think it was incredible."
They did not make the final but Neil and Katya Jones went on to become Strictly Come Dancing professional performers.
Tributes to Kerri-Anne Donaldson
The community around Kerri-Anne has given an outpouring of tributes to her.
Strictly professional Kevin Clifton wrote: "I have no words … This is just heartbreaking … truly devastating.
"We’ve known you and shared the dance floor with you basically all our lives … Dance up there with the angels Kerri … you beautiful dancer, you beautiful soul."
Danny Stowell, another dancer, wrote on Facebook: “You will be dearly missed and continue to share smiles amongst all of us with memories we will all carry forever! â¤ï¸
“My heart goes to you Jacqui, Colin and Cara Donaldson.”
Strictly choreographer Patrick Helm wrote: “I am in complete disbelief to the news. I have never met someone with more passion and determination for dance. My heart is broken.”
