Grieving Kelly Brook pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing

She had initially vowed to continue rehearsals for Saturday's live show in his memory, but found it "too difficult" to concentrate during training.

Her agent Jon Fowler said: "Kelly Brook has decided today to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing to be with her family, following the death of her father on Monday to lung cancer.

"Kelly would like to wish all the remaining contestants the best of luck, thank everyone for their support and say how much she has thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the series."

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Brook's father, Kenneth, 57, died following a long battle with cancer.

A BBC spokesperson added: "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.

"She has been a fantastic part of the programme and 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."

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Kelly's mother Sandra Parsons, 54, said her grieving daughter had tried her best to continue, but unfortunately grief had got the better of her.

Mrs Parsons said: "At the beginning of the week she was going to try her best to continue - that's what her father would have wanted.

"But now Kelly just can't carry on.

She added: "Even with all the best intentions in the world, the reality is she has just lost her father.

"Her emotions are all over the place at the moment. It is not right for her to go in front of the cameras at this time."

Show producers are now scrambling to fill the gap left in tomorrow night's live show.

The former Big Breakfast presenter's departure leaves Alesha Dixon, EastEnder's star Matt Di Angelo and Blue Peter host Gethin Jones battling it out for a spot in the final.

Brook, who is engaged to Titanic actor Billy Zane, and professional dance partner Brendan Cole had been among the favourites to take win the show.

In last week's show Brook and Cole's performance was criticised by the judges, who said they had not performed to their usual high standard.

The couple ended up in the bottom two after the viewers' vote - but they were saved from being ejected after judges chose former England footballer John Barnes to leave instead.

And the audience were shocked when Cole reacted angrily to the judges comments, claiming he and Brook only had eight hours to rehearse the routines.

The grand final of the show, which takes place on 22 December, will now contain two couples instead of the traditional three.

Alesha remains the favourite to win the show.