Strictly Come Dancing - Kelly Brook quits the show

30 November 2007 - Kelly Brook has dramatically pulled out of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing after her father died earlier this week.

Kelly's 57 year-old father, Kenneth, lost a long battle with cancer, leaving his daughter an the rest of their family devastated.

The BBC issued this statement today: "Sadly Kelly Brook has taken the decision to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing following the loss of her father this week.

"Kelly has done some training as she had hoped to continue with the show in his memory. However, understandably she has found it too difficult.

"Kelly has been a fantastic part of the programme and she will be sorely missed by everyone on the show who would also like to express their deepest sympathy to Kelly and her family at this difficult time."

A statement from Kelly Brook's management said: "Kelly Brook has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing to be with her family following the death of her father this week.

"Kelly would like to wish the remaining contestants the best of luck, thank everyone for their support and to add that she has thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the series."

This comes as a shock as Kelly's spokesperson previously said Kelly would continue until the show ended.

Kelly's departure leaves Alesha Dixon, Matt Di Angelo Gethin Jones battling it out for a spot in the final, with alesha remaining the favourite to win.

Meanwhile, Strictly producers are now rushing around trying to fill the gap left in tomorrow night's live show.

Watch the show on Saturday to see how they do it.

Image copyright BBC