A dancer who reached the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent took her own life by hanging just three days after police detained her on suspicion of a sexual offence, an inquest has heard.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson, 38, performed with the Latin dance troupe Kings and Queens on the ITV competition in 2014.
The dance troupe was notable as its members included Neil and Katya Jones, and Kai Widdrington, who all went on to become Strictly Come Dancing professionals.
The Winchester inquest heard that Ms Donaldson was arrested on June 4, 2023, and interviewed about an alleged sexual offence, which she denied.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson (bottom left) with Katya Jones (bottom right) and Neil Jones (top right)
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Her body was discovered at her Farnborough, Hampshire home on June 7, 2023, by her sister Cara Donaldson, who found a note at the top of the stairs instructing her to call emergency services and not enter.
Following her release from custody, Ms Donaldson did not return home, prompting concerned relatives to file a missing person report.
She was subsequently located at a Travelodge hotel in Woking, Surrey, where she had taken an overdose.
Her sister, Cara, told the hearing that when she arrived at the hotel, Ms Donaldson was already being transported to hospital by ambulance.
At St Peter’s Hospital in north Surrey, the dancer informed an emergency doctor that she had wanted to end her life.
“I just wanted to hug her,” Ms Donaldson’s sister recalled. When she drove her sibling back to her residence on June 7, Ms Donaldson revealed she had resolved to take her own life the moment she departed the police station.
She maintained her innocence regarding the allegation, telling her sister it had “all been constructed”.
Cara told the inquest that the family received no care plan or guidance on supporting her sister upon leaving hospital.
Kerri-Anne Donaldson with professional dancer Kevin Clifton
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She spent that evening with Ms Donaldson and was hesitant to leave her unaccompanied, warning: “If you do anything, Kerri, that will always be on my shoulders.”
Her sister responded lightheartedly, assuring her she would not do anything harmful.
“One of the last messages was, ‘Thanks for everything today’ and she gave a heart emoji, I just thought she was OK,” Cara said.
The following morning, when Ms Donaldson failed to answer her telephone, Cara visited her home and discovered the note directing her not to enter.
A post-mortem examination confirmed hanging as the cause of death, with non-fatal medication levels in her blood consistent with an overdose.
Following her death, Strictly pro Mr Jones paid tribute to his former dance partner, saying she “loved to dance, create and perform” and had “the cheekiest laugh and a heart of gold”.
He described her as both a friend and “like my big sister”.
Former Strictly professional Joanne Clifton called the news “heartbreaking” and “truly devastating”, noting they had shared dance floors together throughout their careers.
Amy Dowden also remembered Ms Donaldson as “a beautiful dancer and kind soul”.
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.
