An emotional vigil has been held for a “lovely and beautiful” Doncaster mum who was shot dead in France, with her partner arrested over the killing.

49-year-old Jayne Nicholson died from gunshot wounds at a property in Brillac in Charente in south western France on March 15, with partner George Goodayle, a former Dreamboys stripper and building boss remanded in custody after appearing in court on a murder charge.

Members of protest group Femmes Solidaires Charente held a Stop Femicide rally near to where Jayne was killed, with many of her friends present.

A further event is planned for May 6.

A vigil has been held in France for Jayne Nicholson, who was shot dead, with her partner held over the killing.

placeholder image — A vigil has been held in France for Jayne Nicholson, who was shot dead, with her partner held over the killing.

Following the tragedy, friends paid tribute to dog breeder and horse lover Jayne, who ran Croft Farm, a boarding kennels in Thorpe in Balne, before leaving to live in France.

One wrote: “The most lovely woman and mum. Rip beautiful.”

Another shared: “This is awful news she was such a lovely lady.Thinking of her family.”

Sending condolences to her boys and all her family. Really hope justice is served,” shared another.

Mrs Nicholson, who was also known as Jayne Gregory, moved to live in France several years ago and had begun a relationship with Goodayle, 47, last year.

Former stripper and building boss George Goodayle has been arrested and remanded in custody over Jayne's death.

Local media say that police were called to the property, near to Limoges, where Mrs Nicholson’s body was found, after Mr Goodayle reportedly handed himself in.

A statement issued by the Public Prosecuter’s Office in Charente said: “The on-site examination by the forensic pathologist confirmed the presence of two ballistic wounds in the victim’s upper body.”

A hunting rifle was also seized at the couple’s home and it is understood Goodayle turned himself into police on Monday, March 16 and was taken into custody on suspicion of spousal murder, Angoulême’s Public Prosecutor’s office, said.

Outlining the brief circumstances of the case, prosecutor Benoît Bernard said: “On March 16, 2026, at 9am, a 47-year-old British national, a resident of Brillac since 2016 and with no declared occupation, reported to the Confolens gendarmerie.

“He confessed to having shot his partner the previous evening.

“The suspect was taken into custody on suspicion of spousal murder.

“During his interviews in police custody, the accused suggested the theory of an accidental shooting.”