BGT star Paula Moulton, who was left wheelchair bound after contracting MRSA, dies ‘suddenly’ aged 52
Britain’s Got Talent’s star Paula Moulton has died at the age of 52.
Paula became an instant fan favourite when she appeared on the 2012 series of the ITV show 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 memories from her utter joy of dance.’
The cause of death has not been announced.
Tragic news: Britain’s Got Talent’s star Paula Moulton, who reached the semi finals of the 2012 series, has died (pictured with her dance partner Gary Lyness as part of Strictly Wheels)
Loss: A Facebook account for the act announced she had died, posting: ‘We are devastated to announce the sudden passing of our co-founder Paula
Paula previously spoke about her battle with superbug MRSA, which she contracted in 1995 after suffering from pneumonia.
The infection left her with a damaged pelvis, lower spine, hips and femurs.
In a 2012 interview, she said: ‘I’ve got nerve damage. I can stand but I can’t walk and I use leg splints when I do stand.
‘It was 17 years ago when I got MRSA. I was so ill I can’t remember a lot about it.’
Moulton told The Daily Star at the time: ‘It should have killed me because I had septicaemia. I’m lucky to be alive.’
She added: ‘When I was told I’d be in a wheelchair it was actually a relief because I was falling over and I was so exhausted. Initially I managed to get up on crutches but it was causing so much damage that the only option was to use a chair full-time.’
In 2012 the former social worker and her dance partner Gary Lyness impressed judges on Britain’s Got Talent, performing a routine to the song Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys.
‘Devastated’: The Facebook posted said ‘Paula’s legacy will always live in our memories from her utter joy of dance’
Health struggles: Paula previously spoke about her battle with superbug MRSA, which she contracted in 1995 after suffering from pneumonia (pictured with Gary in 2012)
Judge David Walliams told them: ‘That was amazing, you turned what might’ve been a negative, into a positive.’
Amanda Holden added: ‘Your control and the way you move in that wheelchair is fantastic.’
Paula and her dance partner Gary became Britain’s first and only top-class Latin Wheelchair Dance Sport couple and competed for Team GB in Para Dance at IPC Level.
In 2018 they ranked eighth in the world in Latin.
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