TV3’s got talent ...and big ratings

TV3 couldn’t have written a better script.

First it had a Grand Slam Paddy’s weekend bagging it mega ratings on the back of Ireland’s rugby heroics in Twickenham.

And it was then left to Louis Walsh, Denise van Outen, Michelle Visage and Jason Byrne on Ireland’s Got Talent to continue the party.

The talent show has series of semi-finals taking place this week – and they kicked off last night, with dance troupe FKFT topping the public vote to sail straight through to Saturday night’s grand final. Finishing in second and third place, respectively, were Linda McLoughlin and drag queen RuPaul Ryder.

In the end, three of the four judges chose Cabra mother-oftwo Linda, making her the second act through to the final.

She said: ‘It’s amazing. I am delighted to be in the final – thanks to everyone who voted for me, and just bring it on.’

The show also featured a special guest performance from Britain’s Got Talent winner and pianist Tokio Myers, 33. However, he had a few nervous moments as he struggled at rehearsals to get his pitch perfect.

A source revealed: ‘Tokio was not a happy camper and was in with the producers minutes before the show was about to go live. He was having pitch issues and was up against the clock, but thankfully managed to iron it all out in the end.’