Kelly Brook to keep dancing after father's death

Strictly Come Dancing star Kelly Brook's father has died at the age of 57 following a battle with cancer, her spokesperson has said.

And the former Big Breakfast host, 28, has vowed to carry on with the hit BBC1 show as that is what her father, Kenneth, would have wanted.

She has been secretly facing the sadness of her father's terminal illness while competing in the ballroom dancing competition.

The model and actress has continued rehearsing since her father died at his home on Monday night.

Kelly's spokesperson said: "Kelly Brook's father, Kenneth, passed away peacefully at home on Monday evening following a long battle with cancer, aged 57.

"Kelly would like to take this opportunity to thank the media for respecting her family's privacy over this personal matter during recent weeks and asks that they continue to do so at this difficult time.

"Kelly will continue to honour her work commitments to the best of her abilities as her father would have wanted."

Kelly, engaged to Titanic actor Billy Zane, has been one of the favourites to win Strictly Come Dancing with her dance partner Brendan Cole, alongside Alesha Dixon and her dancing partner Matthew Cutler.

The pressure has been on for Kelly this week, as this Saturday's show will be the first time that the couples will perform two dances.

Kelly and Brendan's performance was pilloried by the judges in last Saturday's show.

The couple were saved from being ejected, after the judges threw out former England footballer John Barnes instead.