Yahoo Sports Strictly stars pay tribute to late Britain's Got Talent contestant
Strictly Come Dancing professional dancers have paid tribute to fellow dancer Kerri-Anne Donaldson following her death aged 38.
The dancer was a former finalist on Britain's Got Talent in 2014 as part of the Kings and Queens dance troupe, with judge Simon Cowell branding their act "incredible".
The group also contained Strictly professionals Neil and Katya Jones as well as Kai Widdrington.
The Superdance National League confirmed the star's death via a Facebook post earlier today (June 8), writing: "The directors of the League are devastated to hear the extremely sad news of the passing of the daughter of their fellow directors Jacqui and Colin Donaldson, principals at Diamond Dance Centre, and on behalf of all the schools in the League send love and prayers to them, their family and dance school."
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Her cause of death is so far unknown. Kerri's former dance mates and Strictly pros have paid tribute to her, with Neil saying she had a "heart of gold".
"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 cheekiest laugh and a heart of gold," he wrote on an Instagram post including a black and white photo of Kerri.
"She hated getting in the car with me, but would always listen to my crazy ideas, we shared so many moments and stories and she was always the voice of reason. Kerri you were my friend and like my big sister," he added.
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Sharing her condolences, Janette Manrara wrote: "How sad to see this news. She was a such a lovely person. My heart goes out to all her friends and family during this time."
Karen Hauer wrote that she was "heartbroken," while RuPaul's Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who appeared as a contestant on the show, said she was "sorry" for his loss.
Joanne Clifton also posted an emotional tribute to her Instagram page, describing Kerri's death as "heartbreaking" and "truly devastating".
"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," she wrote.
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Pasquale La Rocca, a professional dancer on the Belgian version of Dancing with the Stars, took to Instagram to say his "heart is aching" following the loss of Kerri.
"My heart is aching and there are no words to explain how I feel right now," he wrote. "My beautiful, talented special friend Kerri is no longer with us and I still can’t realise it in my head. I want to remember you with that gorgeous 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," he ended the post, accompanied by a heart emoji.
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Strictly pro Gorka Marquez commented on his post, saying: "OMG this is so sad…," with his co-star Diane Buswell adding: "Omg no".
Amy Dowden penned another tribute to the star on her Instagram story, sharing that she was "so shocked and sad" by her passing.
"So shocked and sad @kerri_annedonaldson. Such a beautiful dancer and kind soul. Sending love to all your family and friends. Heaven has certainly gained an angel. Keep dancing up there lovely."
Strictly Come Dancing airs on BBC One, while spin-off Strictly: It Takes Two airs on BBC Two. Both shows are available to stream on BBC iPlayer. Britain's Got Talent airs on ITV1 and ITVX.
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