Former Britain's Got Talent contestant Chantel Bellew has died at the age of 34, just weeks after her birthday.
The talented dancer, who reached the quarter-finals of the show in 2019, died in hospital from a suspected overdose following a long struggle with depression, the Daily Mail reports.
Friends have paid tribute to Bellew, describing her as the "life and soul of the party" who was delighted at getting to the latter rounds of the popular ITV talent show.
Bellew was a professional dancer who appeared in numerous productions throughout her career.
Chantel Bellew competed in the 2019 series of BGT
FACEBOOK/CHANTEL BELLEW
On her website, she described herself as an "enthusiastic, professional and positive person with lots of experience in dance and musical theatre".
She lived in Widnes, Cheshire, where she taught dance and singing in recent years.
Bellew was known for her exceptional tap dancing skills, which led her to teach Strictly Come Dancing judge Anton Du Beke.
She shared a clip on Facebook of her teaching session with Du Beke, writing: "Great day teaching Anton some tap."
Chantel Bellew (left) helped train Anton du Beke
Her professional career included appearing in the Paris production of 42nd Street, which was described as one of the highlights of her career.
She also performed in the UK tour of The Greatest Showman and was a regular entertainer on cruise ships.
Stephen Mear, director of 42nd Street, paid tribute saying: "This has really shocked me. Such a wonderful funny person with a big heart. Also, one of the best tappers I've ever had the pleasure to work with."
Katy Glover, a friend who met Bellew while working on Celebrity Cruises, said: "42nd Street was her favourite musical, and she was delighted to be part of it."
Bellew's appearance on Britain's Got Talent in 2019 was a dream moment for the performer, where she showcased a military-themed dance routine.
During her performance, her costume was dramatically ripped off by two male dancers to reveal a Union Jack bodice, which hosts Ant and Dec found hilarious.
Her talent impressed the judges, though she narrowly missed out on reaching the semi-finals of the competition.
Friends said she had "a brilliant time" while participating in the show and "treated it as another audition because she was so professional".
Katy Glover added: "She did a number of Britain's Got Talent which she loved, and she kept telling everyone."
Bellew was known to be "determined" and passionate about performing, with tap dancing being her speciality.
Chantel Bellew died at the age of 34
FACEBOOK/CHANTEL BELLEW
Friends of Bellew have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral costs, aiming to give her "the show biz send-off she deserves".
Any remaining funds from the appeal will be donated to the mental health charity Mind.
Long-time friend Katy Glover paid tribute saying: "She was such a whirlwind, the life and soul of the party and such a bundle of life. She lived and breathed glamour and showbiz."
Another friend, Daniel McErlean, said: "She was such a great friend, and we all loved her to bits. She always wanted to be a performer, and she had such a sparkle about her."
He added: "She was a kind, loving, and passionate spirit who brought joy and laughter to so many. Chantel was a talent second to none who was the life and soul of every party."
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
