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Kelly pulls out of Strictly

30/11/2007

Kelly Brook has withdrawn from BBC1's Strictly Come Dancing following the death of her father on Monday.

The 28-year-old had vowed earlier in the week to continue rehearsing for tomorrow's live show in honour of her late father, but found the practice schedule "too difficult", the BBC have confirmed.

The actress and model's 57-year-old father Kenneth died after a long battle with cancer.

"Sadly Kelly Brook has taken the decision to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing following the loss of her father this week," a BBC statement read.

"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."

The statement added: "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."

Brook and her professional dance partner Brendan Cole had been among the favourites to win the fifth series of the show, but found themselves in the bottom two after last week's viewers' vote.

They progressed to the next stage after defeating former England footballer John Barnes and his partner in a dance-off.

The remaining celebrities - pop star Alesha Dixon, Blue Peter host Gethin Jones, EastEnders actor Matt Di Angelo, actress Letitia Dean and former rugby player Kenny Logan - will perform two dances on tomorrow night's show.

After Brook's withdrawal, the grand final of the show on December 22nd will now contain two couples, as opposed to the traditional three.