Kelly Brook has pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing following the death of her father on Monday.

The BBC said the model and actress, a favourite to win the ballroom dancing show, decided today that she was unable to continue competing.

Yesterday Brook, 28, said she was determined to keep performing on the high-rating BBC1 programme despite her father succumbing to cancer.

A BBC spokesperson said: "Sadly Kelly Brook has taken the decision to pull out of Strictly Come Dancing following the loss of her father this week.

"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. 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’s spokesperson 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."

Brook, engaged to Titanic actor Billy Zane, had kept her father's terminal illness quiet as she competed in the competition.

Until last weekend, she, and her dance partner Brendan Cole, had received high praise from the judges, but on Saturday the pair were criticised. Cole explained they had little time to practice, but at the time couldn’t say why.

The departure leaves singer Alesha Dixon, actress Letitia Dean, former rugby star Kenny Logan, Blue Peter host Gethin Jones and EastEnders actor Matt D'Angelo competing to win the show.

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