Britain’s Got Talent star Chantel Bellew dies aged 34

Asyia Iftikhar

Published March 25, 2025 2:33pm Updated March 25, 2025 3:38pm

A comp of Chantel Bellew and Ant and Dec — Former Britain’s Got Talent star Chantel Bellew has died, as tributes pour in (Picture: ITV)

Britain’s Got Talent quarter-finalist Chantel Bellew has died aged 34, as friends pay tribute.

The tap dancer shared her Britain’s Got Talent experience on her social media after competing on the reality show for series 13 in 2019, aged 28, and being up for consideration for the semi-finals among the judges.

In a clip uploaded to Facebook of her BGT performance, we see her on stage surrounded by an entourage of men in military gear. As two men rip away her costume, she reveals as union jack themed body suit underneath which leaves Ant and Dec shocked.

In another video posted to her Facebook, she was with Strictly star Anton Du Beke, teaching him to tap dance.

A close friend, Daniel McErlean confirmed she died on March 22 ‘surrounded by her family and close friends’.

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A GoFundMe has been launched by her friends and family in which she was described as ‘a kind, loving, and passionate spirit who brought joy and laughter to so many.’

Chantel Bellew — She was a professional dancer who even danced tap with Anton Du Beke (Picture: ITV)

The page, set up by Daniel McErlean, continues: ‘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.

‘We are kindly asking for donations to help cover the funeral expenses, memorial services, and other related costs.

“All remaining funds will then be donated to www.mind.org.uk to provide support to others that might be suffering with mental health. Your donation will go directly towards honouring Chantel’s life in a way that reflects the love and legacy she leaves behind.’

A tribute provided to Metro from her parents reads: ‘Adored and loved passionately by her mother Jill Dawson, father Paul Bellew and brother Leon Dawson. They are going to make sure she gets the send off she deserves.’

Her close friend Katy Glover also paid tribute to her, per the Mail.

She wrote: ‘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.’

Stephen Mear, director of the Paris production of 42nd Street in which Chantel starred, 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. RIP Chantel.’

‘I can’t understand…you were the life and light in every room! Sharing the stage with you was an absolute privilege and the world has lost one of the best souls. I’m heartbroken,’ a former co-star, Hannah Stearne wrote.

Presenter Luis Elkes posted a tribute on Instagram.

‘Chantel Bellew I will miss you for the rest of my life. Thank you for being my best friend. Life will never be the same without you. I’ll love you forever,’ he said.

‘Always a beautiful bright soul and such a talent! Was always a huge supporter of mine and I was of hers!! So sad to hear of her passing but I know her tapping feet will be heard in heaven!! Sending my love and regards to her friends and family at this time!! God Bless!!!!’ Liam Paul Jennings echoed.

Chantel lived in Widnes, Cheshire, where she taught dance and singing in recent years.

Metro has reached out to ITV for comment.

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