Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton dies ‘suddenly’
BGT star Paula Moulton, who was wheelchair-bound after contracting MRSA, dies ‘suddenly’ at age 52
Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton has died aged 52.
Paula became an instant fan favorite when she appeared on the series of the ITV show in 2012 as part of the double act Strictly Wheels. The act made it to the semi-finals.
A Facebook account for the act announced her death on Thursday, posting: “We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula.
“Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this extremely sad time. Paula’s legacy will always live in our memory through her immense joy of dancing.’
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Tragic news: Britain’s Got Talent star Paula Moulton, who reached the semi-finals of the 2012 series, has passed away (pictured with her dance partner Gary Lyness as part of Strictly Wheels)
Paula previously spoke about her battle with the superbug MRSA, which she contracted in 1995 after suffering from pneumonia.
The infection left her with damaged pelvis, lower back, hips and thighs.
In a 2012 interview, she said, “I have nerve damage. I can stand, but I can’t walk and I use leg splints when I stand.
“It’s been 17 years since I got MRSA. I was so sick I can’t remember much about it.’
said Moulton The daily star at the time, “It should have killed me because I had blood poisoning.” I’m lucky to be alive.’
She added: ‘When I was told I would be in a wheelchair it was actually a relief because I fell over and I was so exhausted. At first I managed to get up with crutches, but it caused so much damage that the only option was to use a chair full time.’
In 2012, former social worker and her dance partner Gary Lyness impressed the judges of Britain’s Got Talent by performing a routine to the song Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys.
Loss: A Facebook account for the act announced she had passed away, posting, “We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula
‘Devastated’: The Facebook post said ‘Paula’s legacy will always live in our memories through her immense joy of dancing’
Judge David Walliams told them, “That was great, you turned something negative into something positive.”
Amanda Holden added: “Your control and the way you move in that wheelchair is fantastic.”
Paula revealed at the time: “I’ve never danced before this. I only had six ballet lessons before I got kicked out.
“We did BGT because we wanted to say to people, this is what you can do. I have damage to my elbow, shoulder, I have arthritis, but my health has improved so much since I started.
“And there are not only physical benefits associated with it, it improves self-esteem, self-confidence and more.”
Paula and her dance partner Gary became Britain’s first and only top-class Latin Wheelchair dance sport couple, competing for Team GB in Para Dance at IPC level.
In 2018, they ranked eighth in the world in Latin.
They launched the charity Strictly Wheels in 2016 after the pair made it their mission to raise the profile of wheelchair dancing.
Contenders: Paula and her dance partner Gary became Britain’s first and only first-class Latin Wheelchair dance sport couple, competing for Team GB in Para Dance at IPC level