A Britain’s Got Talent contestant, who once taught Strictly judge Anton Du Beke how to tap dance, has tragically died aged 34. Chantel Bellew sadly died in hospital from a suspected overdose, following a long battle with depression. Chantel made it the quarter finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2019. Her tragic death just weeks after her birthday has left her friends and loved ones heartbroken. Those who knew Chantel described her as the “life and soul of the party” and remembered her joy at reaching the latter stages of the ITV show in 2019. A fundraising page has been set up to cover the cost of her funeral in order to give her the “showbiz farewell she deserves”.
Chantel Bellew, who was a contestant on Britain’s Got Talent and taught Strictly judge Anton Du Beke how to tap dance, has tragically died aged 34
(Image: Instagram)
In a heartfelt tribute on the GoFundMe page, they wrote: “It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of our beloved Chantel, as we navigate through this incredibly difficult time, we want to honour her life and the beautiful impact she had on everyone who knew her,”. The tribute continued: “Chantel was more than a daughter, wife, sister, niece, cousin and friend. 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, I am sure you will agree she was a character that nobody will ever forget. As Chantel ́s friends, we would like to help the family give Chantel the showbiz farewell she deserves.”
Chantel Bellew with Strictly star Anton Du Beke
(Image: Instagram)
The late 34 year old was a talented dancer who performed in various musicals, including the Paris production of 42nd Street. But her standout moment was appearing on BGT, where she showcased a military-themed dance routine for hosts Ant McPartlin and Declan Donnelly, reports the Mirror. The pair were left in stitches as two male dancers ripped off her costume at the end of the performance, revealing a Union Jack bodice. Despite impressing the judges with her performance, Chantel narrowly missed out on making it to the semi-finals, but friends say she had “a brilliant time”.
Chantel Bellew made it to the quarter finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2019
(Image: Instagram)
She shared a clip of her performance on Facebook, along with another video of her teaching Strictly judge Anton some tap moves, writing: “Great day teaching Anton some tap.” Katy Glover, Chantel’s longtime friend and fellow performer, paid tribute to her, saying: “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.” Chantel lived in Widnes, Cheshire, before her passing and had been teaching dance and singing in recent years.
