Chantel Bellew: Remembering the Life of a Talented Performer

Chantel Bellew, a former contestant on ITV's 'Britain's Got Talent,' passed away on March 22, 2025, at the age of 34. Her mother, Jill Dawson, shared a heartfelt tribute, recalling Chantel's vibrant spirit and passion for dance. 'Not many people in life get to make their dream come true, and she did,' Dawson stated, reflecting on her daughter's journey in the performing arts.

Chantel, who hailed from Widnes, began dancing at the tender age of three, joining a Morris dancing club before advancing to a professional dance school specializing in tap and ballet. Her impressive talent led her to perform in various productions, including a leading role as Sandy in 'Grease' at The Bankfield School and numerous musical productions like 'Top Hat' and 'White Christmas.' Her passion culminated in her participation in the 2019 edition of 'Britain's Got Talent,' where she captivated the audience with a military-themed group dance routine. Despite her talent, she narrowly missed reaching the semi-finals, losing out to 89-year-old war veteran Colin Thackery.

After her stint on the talent show, Chantel returned to her roots to establish the Chantel Bellew Workshops, where she taught children singing and tap dancing. However, her personal struggles intensified over the years, culminating in a mental health crisis. In November 2019, she was admitted as an inpatient during the COVID-19 lockdown. Tragically, on March 17, 2025, Chantel was found by her wife, Genna Timewell, after an overdose of painkillers. Despite immediate medical attention, she succumbed to her condition six days later.

At an inquest held at Bolton Coroner's Court, Coroner John Pollard concluded that Chantel had deliberately taken the overdose with the knowledge that it could be fatal. Jill Dawson expressed her grief over the inquest's findings, stating, 'It has been absolutely devastating and our lives will never be the same.' She emphasized the importance of mental health awareness and urged those struggling to seek help, saying, 'I just want people to know there’s always help out there.'

Chantel's life serves as a poignant reminder of the pressures faced by performers and the critical need for mental health support within the entertainment community. As friends, family, and the dancing community mourn her loss, her legacy as a passionate artist and caring individual will endure. The impact of her story highlights the importance of mental health resources and the need for open conversations about mental health challenges, particularly in high-pressure industries such as performing arts. Her mother concluded, 'My daughter had reached a goal she had since she was eight. That’s all she wanted to do, and I’m so glad she got that.'