Paula Moulton, a former Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist, has tragically died at the age of 52, it was announced on Wednesday.
A post on the Strictly Wheels Facebook page confirmed: "We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula.
"Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely sad time. Paula's legacy will always live in our memories from her utter joy of dance."
© Ken McKay/ShutterstockThe cause of death was not given. Paula had used a wheelchair since contracting MRSA and along with her friend and co-star Gary Lyness, she reached the semifinals of Britain's Got Talent back in 2012, impressing the public and the judges with her athleticism and musicality.
© Ken McKay/Thames/ShutterstockAfter the talented pair danced to Alicia Keys' hit Empire State of Mind, Amanda Holden declared: "Your control and the way you move in that wheelchair is fantastic."
Their next performance was to Olly Murs' song Dance With Me Tonight, prompting Simon Cowell to say: "It was good fun [and] you looked like you were enjoying it" while Alesha Dixon gushed: "You're proving that anything is possible if you put your mind to it."
© Ken McKay/Thames/ShutterstockPrior to their performances on TV, Paula and Gary had travelled across Europe with their act.
© Ken McKay/Thames/ShutterstockDiscussing the MRSA that she contracted in hospital while suffering from pneumonia, Paula shared that the superbug damaged her pelvis, lower spine, hips and femurs.
© Ken McKay/Thames/ShutterstockThe former social worker told the Daily Star around the time of her TV fame: "It was 17 years ago when I got MRSA. I was so ill I can’t remember a lot about it.
© Ken McKay/Thames/Shutterstock"It should have killed me because I had septicaemia. I’m lucky to be alive." She went on: "When I was told I’d be in a wheelchair it was actually a relief because I was falling over and I was so exhausted. Initially I managed to get up on crutches but it was causing so much damage that the only option was to use a chair full-time."
© Ken McKay/Thames/ShutterstockTragically, Paula is not the only BGT contestant to have died in recent years. Earlier this month, Gorka Marquez, Amy Dowden and Neil Jones were among a number of Strictly stars who paid tribute to fellow dancer and 2014 Britain's Got Talent semi-finalist Kerri Donaldson following her death at the age of 38.
Janette Manrara wrote on Instagram: "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."
Former semi-finalist Kerri Donaldson also died recently
Jack Saunders was a member of the dance troupe Green Force Five and sadly died in 2019. He had also appeared on The X Factor with Lauren Platt in 2014 and Sky One's Got to Dance in 2012, where he reached the finals as part of Unity UK.
Simonne Kerr, who sang with the B Positive Choir on the ITV show back in 2018, was tragically murdered by her boyfriend in 2019. The 31-year-old nurse had performed in the final of the talent show after her young son, Kavele, died from complications of sickle cell disease.
