Former Britain's Got Talent contestant Chantel Bellew has died aged 34. Chantel, who reached the quarter finals of Series 13 in 2019, passed away in hospital from a suspected overdose just weeks after her birthday. Chantel struggled with depression throughout her life, but was described as the "life and soul of the party" by her friends. A talented dancer, Chantel appeared in a number of musicals, including the Paris production of 42nd Street.

The performer also appeared in the UK tour of The Greatest Showman and entertained passengers on cruise ships. Chantel's big moment came in 2019 when she auditioned for Britain's Got Talent. At the end of the military themed performance, Chantel's costume was ripped off by two male dancers to unveil a Union Jack bodice, leaving presenters Ant and Dec in stitches. Despite not making it through to the semi-finals, Chantel's friends said she had a "brilliant time" on the ITV show.

Chantel taught dance and singing in Widnes, Cheshire, and even taught Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke how to tap dance. But as her mental health continued to deteriorate, Chantel gave it up and found a job in a supermarket.

A GoFundMe page has been set up by Chantel's friends to help pay for funeral costs, while remaining funds will be donated to mental health charity Mind.

Katy Glover, Chantel's longtime friend and fellow performer, paid tribute to her on social media, writing: "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 and she was a fantastic tap dancer, she did a number of Britain's Got Talent which she loved, and she kept telling everyone.

"Chantel said she'd had a brilliant time and treated it as another audition because she was so professional, and she was so determined. She also taught Anton Du Beke tap as well because tap was her life, she was the best tapper out there. She was incredible, one of a kind, sparkly and loving and loyal."

Katy, who met Chantel while they both worked on Celebrity Cruises, continued: "She sang and danced but tap was her niche, and she loved all the glitz and glam. 42nd Street was her favourite musical, and she was delighted to be part of it, and it was one of the highlights of her career. She just lived to perform.

"I can relate to her feeling down, on the cruise ships you are performing every single night, for six months, doing what you love. But then you come home and it's tough to find your next job. It's a very difficult career. You have very high highs and low lows and, as you get old, start to think what's next?"

She added: "You can't perform your whole life and when it's been your whole life it's a very difficult position to be in."

In another touching tribute, Katy's pal 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.

"She was teaching dance and theatre all over the northwest. She even did a show at Christmas for her family but when her nan died a few years ago it really hit her hard and that's when things started to change."

Daniel described Chantel as a "kind, loving and passionate spirit" who "brought laughter and joy" to so many.

He added: "Chantel was a talent second to none who was the life and soul of every party. Chantel was always glammed up, dressed in heels and skirt and would brighten up anyone's day."

Stephen Mear, the director of 42nd Street, wrote: "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."

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