Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton dies ‘suddenly’
BGT star Paula Moulton, who was wheelchair-bound after contracting MRSA, dies ‘suddenly’ at age 52
Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton has died aged 52.
Paula made it to the live semi-finals of the 2012 series of the ITV show as part of the Strictly Wheels duo.
A Facebook account for the act announced she had passed away, posting: “We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely sad time. Paula’s legacy will always live in our memory through her immense joy of dancing.’
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tragic news: Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton, who reached the semi-finals of the 2012 series, has passed away (pictured with her dance partner Gary Lyness as part of the act Strictly Wheels
Loss: A Facebook account for the act announced she had passed away, posting, “We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula
Paula previously spoke about her battle with the superbug MRSA, which she contracted in 1995 after suffering from pneumonia.
The infection left her with damaged pelvis, lower back, hips and thighs.
In a 2012 interview, she said, “I have nerve damage. I can stand, but I can’t walk and I use leg splints when I stand.
“It’s been 17 years since I got MRSA. I was so sick I can’t remember much about it.’
said Moulton The daily star at the time, “It should have killed me because I had blood poisoning.” I’m lucky to be alive.’
She added: ‘When I was told I would be in a wheelchair it was actually a relief because I fell over and I was so exhausted. At first I managed to get up with crutches, but it caused so much damage that the only option was to use a chair full time.’
In 2012, former social worker and her dance partner Gary Lyness impressed the judges of Britain’s Got Talent by performing a routine to the song Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys.
‘Devastated’: The Facebook post said ‘Paula’s legacy will always live in our memories through her immense joy of dancing’
Health issues: Paula previously spoke about her battle with superbug MRSA, which she contracted in 1995 after suffering from pneumonia (pictured with Gary in 2012)
Judge David Walliams told them, “That was great, you turned something negative into something positive.”
Amanda Holden added: “Your control and the way you move in that wheelchair is fantastic.”
Paula and her dance partner Gary became Britain’s first and only top-class Latin Wheelchair dance sport couple, competing for Team GB in Para Dance at IPC level.
In 2018, they ranked eighth in the world in Latin.