Tributes have poured in for RTE Dancing With The Stars pro dancer Kerrie-Anne Donaldson, who has died tragically at the age of 38.
Kerri-Anne joined Dancing with the Stars in 2019 after a cast shake-up and she remained on the series for three seasons working on the weekly pro dance routines. Prior to her stint on DWTS, she made it to the semi-finals of Britain’s Got Talent in 2014 as part of the dance troupe Kings and Queens.
Kerri-Anne's death was confirmed on Thursday morning by her sister Cara, who wrote: “My heart hurts and my world has just collapsed around me.
“My beautiful baby sister is no longer with us and I don't know how to process it. I love you Kerri, you're my best friend, we were inseparable and right now I don't know how to fill the void. Be peaceful and hold Nan tight.”
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Pasquale La Rocca, who won the show in 2020 and 2022, said: "My heart is aching and there are no words to explain how I feel right now.
"My beautiful, talented, special friend Kerri is no longer with us and I still can’t realize it in my head. I want to remember you with that gorgeous smile and I want you to know that you will live in my heart forever.
"I love you so much and I will miss you everyday of my life.
"Rest in peace Friend."
Ryan McShane, who was on the RTE show for four years, added: "My heart is broken into a million pieces, that laugh will ring in my ears always and a smile that would light up even the darkest of rooms.
"You will always be in my heart. You will always be in my thoughts.
"There are just not enough words I would ever say or write that would ever justify how amazing you are and how much you are loved."
Kerri-Anne was also part of The Blonde Bombshell, which was founded by Laura Nolan.
Laura posted a throwback photo of her and Kerri-Anne taking a selfie together in Dublin and said: “That smile and laugh will stay with me forever.
“So honoured to have had such a beautiful, talented soul and person in my life. You made the world a better place.”
Show producer and Fair City actor Ryan Andrews said: "Shocked by this news tonight. A friend, colleague and an incredible talent."
Kerri-Anne also appeared on Britain's Got Talent back in 2014 alongside Strictly Come Dancing favourites Katya Jones, Neil Jones and Kai Widdrington with Latin dance troupe Kings and Queens.
Neil said: "Kerri Anne Donaldson- remember that name and please never forget it because it belongs to a woman who loved to dance, create and perform, she had the cheekiest laugh and a heart of gold, she hated getting in the car with me, but would always listen to my crazy ideas, we shared so many moments and stories and she was always the voice of reason.
"Kerri, you were my friend and like my big sister."
It Takes Two presenter Janette Manrara commented on Neil's post, writing: "How sad to see this news. She was such a lovely person. My heart goes out to all her friends and family during this time."
"Heartbroken," Karen Hauer simply added. While Kevin Clifton shared his own post, including a series of childhood snaps of the pair together and wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken. I’ve known Kerri since we were kids and she was always the loveliest girl.
"A friend and a dance partner. I’m glad we got to dance together this xmas. And that the whole cast of Strictly Ballroom got to work with you in rehearsals. RIP."
The Supadance National League, alongside a black and white photo of Kerri-Anne, wrote: “The directors of the League are devastated to hear the extremely sad news of the passing of the daughter of their fellow directors Jacqui and Colin Donaldson principals at Diamond Dance centre and on behalf of all the schools in the League send love and prayers to them, their family and dance school!”
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