A dancer who participated in the popular television show Britain’s Got Talent tragically died by suicide following her arrest on suspicion of a sexual offense, according to information presented at an inquest. Kerri-Anne Donaldson, a member of the dance group Kings and Queens who reached the semi-finals of the ITV show in 2014, was discovered deceased at her residence in Farnborough, Hampshire, on June 7, 2023.

Donaldson had performed with well-known dance professionals Neil and Katya Jones and Kai Widdrington, all of whom later joined the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. The 38-year-old was arrested on June 4 and interrogated at a police station regarding a sexual offense, which she denied during the subsequent inquest held at Winchester.

Following her release, Donaldson did not return home, prompting her family to report her missing. She was later located at a Travelodge hotel in Woking, Surrey, where she was discovered having taken an overdose and was transported to the hospital after being found by her sister, Cara Donaldson.

Cara revealed that her sister had expressed suicidal intentions to a doctor at St Peter’s Hospital, stating she wanted to end her life after leaving the police station. Despite spending time with her sister and trying to provide support, Cara found a distressing note at her sister’s home the next day, indicating a tragic turn of events.

The inquest disclosed that the cause of Donaldson’s death was by hanging, with the post-mortem examination also revealing non-lethal levels of medication consistent with an overdose in her system. The investigation is ongoing.

For individuals struggling with similar challenges, support is available through the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, which operates 24/7. Email contact is also possible at jo@samaritans.org, or individuals can access local branches through the Samaritans website.