Britain’s Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson spoke of her “self-doubt, anxiety and financial struggles” leading up to her tragic death at the age of 38.
In March last year, she shared the latest blog post on her Medium.com website, writing candidly about her struggles: “The past two years have challenged me beyond belief, it certainly hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows.”
The post came before Kerri-Anne’s tragic death, the cause of which is currently unknown, which was confirmed Thursday morning, leading fellow stars to pay tribute to their “beautiful” late friend.
Kerri-Anne performed on the 2014 talent show and was part of the group Kings and Queens, which also included Strictly Come Dancing professionals Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington.
Kerri-Anne’s older sister Cara Donaldson wrote on Facebook: “My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me.
Hurt: Britain’s Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson spoke of her ‘self-doubt, anxiety and financial struggles’ leading up to her tragic death at age 38
Young star: Cara Donaldson, Kerri-Anne’s older sister, first confirmed the sad news on Facebook, writing: ‘My heart aches and my world has just collapsed around me’
“My beautiful little sister is no longer with us and I don’t know how to handle it. I love you Kerri, you are my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don’t know how to fill the void. Be peaceful and hold Nan tight.’
Kerri-Anne wrote candid posts on her blog on many topics, including essays about her life and emotions.
In the post Expectation vs. Reality, which she shared on March 16, 2022, she wrote: “Behind my own cherry-picked Instagram photos, lies an ugly truth…
“The last two years have been incredibly challenging, it certainly hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows…
“My career was hit so hard that it did indeed affect my financial situation. My future prospects were suspended for the time being and my motivation became increasingly difficult to maintain…
“Although I’ve had moments of self-doubt and fear, and I’ve had to take action to save myself from those dark places where it’s very hard to return…
Friends: The dancer, 38, was part of the group Kings and Queens which also featured strict pros Neil and Katya Jones (pictured with Neil)
Tributes: A string of dance world stars have paid tribute to Kerri-Anne’s BGT co-star Neil who posted a message on Instagram dedicated to his ‘big sister’
So the world wants perfection, and here I am, furthest from it. I’m stuck in a hamster wheel right now, trying to move forward without admitting to anyone, including myself, that my life isn’t as shiny as it seems.”
After her sister’s announcement Thursday, The Supadance National League also announced the sad news.
Kerri-Anne’s BGT co-star Neil Jones paid tribute to his ‘big sister’ on Instagram, saying: ‘Kerri Anne Donaldson – remember that name and please never forget it because it belongs to a woman who loved to dance , create and perform. ..
“She had the boldest smile and a heart of gold, she hated getting in the car with me but always listened to my crazy ideas, we shared so many moments and stories and she was always the voice of reason.”
Loss: The dancer has worked with many of Strictly’s biggest stars, including Kevin Clifton who she performed with in December
“Kerri, you were my friend and like my big sister.”
Fellow Strictly star Amy Dowden shared the same black and white photo of Kerri, writing, ‘So shocked and sad @kerri_annedonaldson. Such a beautiful dancer and kind soul.
Sending love to all your family and friends. Heaven certainly has an angel. Keep dancing up there, wonderful.’
Strictly It Takes Two host and professional dancer Janette Manrara responded to Neil’s post: ‘How sad to see this news. She was such a sweet person. My heart goes out to all of her friends and family at this time.”
Strictly Dancer Gorka Marquez also paid tribute, writing, “OMG this is so sad…”
Kevin shared a photo of himself with Kerri-Anne when they competed in dance competitions together as kids, writing that he was “absolutely heartbroken.”
“I’ve known Kerri since we were kids and she was always the prettiest girl. A friend and a dance partner.
“I’m glad we got to dance together this Christmas. And that the entire cast of Strictly Ballroom got to work with you during rehearsals. REST IN PEACE’
Childhood friends: Kevin shared a photo of himself with Kerri-Anne paying tribute to ‘the most beautiful girl’
Joanne Clifton wrote: ‘I’m beyond words… This is just heartbreaking… truly devastating. We already know you and have shared the dance floor with you all our lives… Dance up there with the angels Kerri… you beautiful dancer, you beautiful soul.”
Kerri-Anne’s friend and fellow dancer Pasquale La Rocca, who is a pro on the Belgian version of Dancing with the Stars, also wrote alongside photos of the duo, “My heart aches and there are no words to explain how I feel right now.
“My beautiful, talented special friend Kerri is no longer with us and I still can’t realize it in my head. I want to remember you with that beautiful smile and I want you to know that you will live in my heart forever.
“I love you so much and I will miss you every day of my life. Rest in peace friend.’
Kerri-Anne and her dance troupe reached the semi-finals of the 2014 series of Britain’s Got Talent.
During their audition, they danced to a medley of Latin songs, with judge Simon Cowell calling the group “incredible.”
In recent years, Kerri-Anne has worked as a choreographer on The Masked Singer and performed on Dancing with the Stars Ireland.
Talent: Kerri-Anne reached the semi-finals of the 2014 series of Britain’s Got Talent with her dance troupe and judge Simon Cowell called them ‘incredible’ after their first audition