Kelly Brook’s father has died, but the model and actress is determined to continue performing on Strictly Come Dancing.

The former Big Breakfast host, 28, said her father, who died on Monday, would want her to keep dancing on the high-rating BBC1 show.

Brook has kept her father’s battle with terminal illness quiet while competing in the ballroom dancing competition, but today a spokesperson confirmed his death.

"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."

Brook, who is engaged to Titanic actor Billy Zane, has continued rehearsing for Strictly Come Dancing since her father’s death.

Despite a poor performance last weekend, Brook and dance partner Brendan Cole are favourites to win the show, along with Alesha Dixon and partner Matthew Cutler.

Last Saturday the judges complained that Brook and Cole were not dancing to their usual standards. Cole reacted angrily to their criticism saying they had had little time to rehearse, but he did not explain why.

The pair were saved from being ejected after the judges sent home former England footballer John Barnes.

This weekend the remaining contestants will perform two dances for the first time.

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