Grieving Kelly hangs up her dancing shoes

Updated 10.34 Sat Dec 01 2007

Keywords: Strictly Come Dancing, Kelly Brook

Former Big Breakfast host Kelly Brook has quit Strictly Come Dancing following the death of her father.

Kenneth Brook, 57, had been suffering from cancer and died on Monday night.

"Kelly has decided to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing to be with her family following the death of her father this week" - spokesman for Kelly Brook

The 28-year-old at first decided to keep dancing because her father would have wanted her to, but then announced her decision to leave on Friday.

Her spokesman said: "Kelly 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 and thank everyone for their support and to add that she thoroughly enjoyed taking part in this series."

The model and actress has been one of the favourites to win the show with dance partner Brendan Cole, alongside Alesha Dixon and her dancing partner Matthew Cutler.

Her fiancé, Titanic actor Billy Zane, has been supporting her since the bereavement, but is due to fly to Canada where he is filming.