BRITAIN’S Got Talent star Chantel Bellew, who made Ant and Dec giggle with her cheeky dance routine, has di3d aged 34.
The TV dancer, who made it to the quarter finals of series 13, tragically passed away in hospital just weeks after her birthday.
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Britain’s Got Talent star Chantel Bellew has di3d aged 34Credit: Chantel Bellew
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The performer made Ant and Dec giggle with her cheeky dance on the showCredit: Chantel Bellew
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Chantel passed away in hospital weeks after her birthdayCredit: Chantel Bellew
The talented performer made Ant and Dec crack up when her costume was ripped off by two male dancers to reveal a Union Jack bodysuit.
Chantel also won over the nation’s heart when she taught Strictly star Anton Du Beke how to tap dance.
She posted a clip at the time and wrote: “Great day teaching Anton some tap.”
Chantel was a talented dancer and performed in musicals including the Paris production of 42nd Street.
She had also featured in the UK tour of The Greatest Showman and worked as an entertainer on cruise ships.
The 34-year-old lived in Widnes, Cheshire, and taught dance and singing in recent years.
Shortly before her tragic death, Chantel started working in a supermarket.
Her heartbroken friends have set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for her funeral.
Close pal Katy Glover paid tribute to her and said: “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.
“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.”
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Chantel Bellew di3d just weeks after her 34th birthdayCredit: Chantel Bellew
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Chantel with Strictly star Anton Du Beke whom she taught to tap danceCredit: Chantel Bellew
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Ant and Dec broke into laughter when Chantel’s costume was ripped off by two male dancers to reveal a Union Jack bodysuitCredit: Chantel Bellew
Katy added: “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?
“You can’t perform your whole life and when it’s been your whole life it’s a very difficult position to be in.”
Another friend Daniel McErlean penned: “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 di3d a few years ago it really hit her hard and that’s when things started to change.
“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.
“Chantel was always glammed up, dressed in heels and skirt and would brighten up anyone’s day.”
Stephen Mear, who was the director of 42nd Street, paid tribute and said: “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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Friends described her as the ‘life and soul of the party’Credit: Chantel Bellew
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The dancer reached the quarter finals of Series 13 on BGTCredit: Chantel Bellew
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She had also featured in the UK tour of The Greatest Showman and worked as entertainer on cruise shipsCredit: Chantel Bellew
