09 June 2023 , 12:02
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Britain's Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson posted about her "badly hit" career before her tragic death at 38.
The dancer, who once auditioned for the ITV talent show with a string of Strictly Come Dancing professionals, took to her blog in March last year where she said she felt "stuck in a hamster wheel and trying to move on" following lockdown which left her with financial difficulties.
Kerri-Anne's death was announced by her heartbroken sister Cara Donaldson on social media on Thursday, with Strictly stars Neil and Katya Jones among those paying tribute to the late dancer.
In a blog post entitled 'Expectation vs Reality, which was shared on 16 March 2022, Kerri wrote: "The last two years have challenged me beyond belief, it’s definitely not all been sunshine and rainbows."
She continued: "My career was hit so badly that indeed, it affected my financial situation. My future prospects were put on hold for the foreseeable, and my motivation was becoming harder to maintain...
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Kerri-Anne's sister Cara announced her death on Tuesday (Instagram/kerri_annedonaldson)"I have admittedly had moments of self doubt and anxiety, and I have had to take action to save myself from those dark places that are very hard to return from...
"So the world wants perfection, and here I am, the furthest thing from it. I am now stuck in a hamster wheel, trying to move forward without admitting to anyone, including myself, that my life isn’t as shiny as it seems."
Announcing Kerri-Anne's death on Thursday, her sister Cara penned: "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.
"I love you Kerri, you're my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don't know how to fill the void. Be peaceful and hold Nan tight."
It's not yet been confirmed how Kerri-Anne died.
Kerri-Anne performed on Britain's Got Talent back in 2014 as part of dance group Kings and Queens, which include strictly stars Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington.
Next to a stunning black and white photo of Kerri-Anne, dancer Neil Jones paid tribute to his former colleague.
"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, 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 shared.
It Takes Two host, Janette Manrara, 39, commented underneath Neil's post, writing: "How sad to see this news. She was a such a lovely person. My hearts goes out to all her friends and family during this time."
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Adding his own heartfelt words to the growing number was Strictly pro Kevin Clifton, 40, who wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken. I’ve known Kerri since we were kids and she was always the loveliest girl.
"A friend and a dance partner. I’m glad we got to dance together this xmas. And that the whole cast of Strictly Ballroom got to work with you in rehearsals. RIP"