Late BGT star Kerri-Anne Donaldson detailed battling ‘self doubt and anxiety

Britain’s Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson spoke about her ‘self doubt, anxiety and financial struggles’ ahead of her tragic death at age 38.

In March last year, she shared the final blog post on her Medium.com website, in which she wrote candidly about her struggles, penning: ‘The last two years have challenged me beyond belief, it’s definitely not all been sunshine and rainbows.’

The post came before Kerri-Anne’s tragic death, the cause of which is currently unknown, which was confirmed on Thursday morning leading to fellow stars paying tribute to their ‘beautiful’ late friend.

Kerri-Anne performed on the talent show in 2014 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 about her ‘self doubt, anxiety and financial struggles’ ahead of her tragic death at age 38

Young star: Kerri-Anne’s older sister Cara Donaldson first confirmed the sad news on Facebook, writing: ‘ 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.’

Kerri-Anne wrote candid posts on her blog about many subjects, including soul-baring essays about her life and emotions. 

In the post Expectation vs Reality, which she shared on 16 March 2022, she wrote: ‘Behind my very own cherry picked Instagram pictures, lies an ugly truth…

‘The last two years have challenged me beyond belief, it’s definitely not all been sunshine and rainbows…

‘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…

‘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…

Friends: The dancer, 38, was part of the group Kings and Queens which also had Strictly pros Neil and Katya Jones (pictured with Neil)

Moving: Kerri-Anne shared a lengthy blog post (pictured) before her tragic death aged 38 

‘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.’

Following her sister’s announcement on 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 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.

Tributes: A string of stars from the dance world have paid tribute with Kerri-Anne’s BGT co-star Neil posting a message dedicated to his ‘big sister’ on Instagram

Loss: The dancer worked alongside 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 and wrote: ‘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 It Takes Two host and professional dancer Janette Manrara commented on Neil’s post: ‘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.’

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 children, writing tat he was ‘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’

Childhood friends: Kevin shared a photo of himself with Kerri-Anne as he paid tribute to ‘the loveliest girl’ 

Joanne Clifton wrote: ‘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.’

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 is aching 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 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 everyday of my life. Rest in peace Friend.’ 

Kerri-Anne reached the semi final of the 2014 series of Britain’s Got Talent with her dance troupe.

In their audition, they danced to a medley of Latin tracks with judge Simon Cowell calling the troupe ‘incredible’.

In recent years Kerri-Anne worked as a choreographer on The Masked Singer as well as performing on Dancing with the Stars Ireland.

Talent: Kerri-Anne reached the semi final of the 2014 series of Britain’s Got Talent with her dance troupe with judge Simon Cowell calling them ‘incredible’ after their first audition