Britain's Got Talent contestant Kerrie-Anne Donaldson was found hanged

A former Britain's Got Talent contestant died by hanging days after being discharged from hospital following treatment for an overdose, an inquest  heard today. 

Kerrie-Anne Donaldson reached the semi-final of the ITV show in 2014 as part of the dance troupe, Kings and Queens, which included future Strictly stars Neil and Katya Jones. 

The 38-year-old died in June last year in her home town of Farnborough, Hampshire.

A pre-inquest review has today for the first time heard the circumstances surrounding her death.

Winchester Coroners Court was told that in the days before she had been held in police custody for an undisclosed reason; she was then reported missing.

The dancer was eventually found and, having taken an overdose, was admitted to a hospital in Lyne, Surrey, but was discharged just days before her death. 

Coroner Jason Pegg told a pre-inquest review hearing that a post-mortem exam carried out after her death concluded the dancer died by 'hanging'.

He noted that this is an 'unnatural cause of death', therefore there 'must be an inquest hearing'.

Read More

Britain's Got Talent star Kerri-Anne Donaldson dies aged 38: Strictly Come Dancing professionals pay tribute to 'beautiful soul'

'[The inquest will look at] how Kerrie-Anne, who was jut 38 at the time of her passing, came to find herself in the circumstances that resulted in her hanging,' he continued.

'The purpose of today, really, is to ensure that all interested parties have the evidence that is available.

'The other matters, which needs to be addressed today, is which witnesses [will be called].

'The other issue to address in this hearing is what evidence, if any is outstanding.'

The coroner gave a brief overview of the days preceding the dancer's death.

'My understanding is that Kerrie-Anne was in custody on June 4,' he told the court. 'She was then reported missing.

'She was then found having taken an overdose in Woking, Surrey.

'She was taken to St Peters hospital to have a psychiatric review, then she was discharged into the care of her sister.

'The last time that Kerrie-Anne was seen was at 11 o'clock on the 6th of June.'

Mr Pegg said the dancer was found 'soon after' she went missing.

A lawyer representing the family said they have 'questions' over the 'processes and procedures' at the hospital Ms Donaldson attended before her death.

They asked to see risk assessments carried out by the police and asked for additional material on the dancer's hospital discharge to be provided.

A full inquest hearing has been scheduled for next year.

Ms Donaldson performed on the ITV talent show in 2014 as part of the super-group Kings and Queens.

Other members of the troupe included Kai Widdrington and Neil and Katya Jones, all three of whom later became professional dancers on Strictly.

Paying tribute at the time of her death, Strictly professional Mr Jones said Ms Donaldson was 'like a big sister'.

He wrote on X: '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.' 

Kevin Clifton also shared his upset, writing: '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'

Ms Donaldson's death was first confirmed by her older sister, Cara, who wrote on Facebook: '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.'