I’ll use my BGT cash to set up music school to inspire kids
£250,000 winner Tokio’s pledge
TOKIO Myers wants to use his £250,000 Britain’s Got Talent winnings to help young people from tough backgrounds.
The pianist witnessed gang violence when his headmaster, Philip Lawrence, was stabbed to death outside the school gates in North London in 1995. Tokio was 11 when gang member Learco Chindamo attacked the teacher at St George’s Catholic school.
He said: “I would love to be able to set up my own music school to mentor and inspire other people.
“I would love to do talks at school. I want to push the boundaries and break stereotypes about classical music.”
The 32-year-old instrumentalist, who toured with the late Amy Winehouse, said racism and discrimination through his life had inspired him to work harder.
Tokio, who is tipped to make £1million from Saturday’s BGT success, will perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show in November.
Blackpool magician Issy Simpson, eight, came second and Malawi-born comedian Daliso Chaponda, 37, finished third.
After the show was moved from Sunday due to the One Love Manchester concert, the lowest ratings for a final were recorded.
An average 8.2 million – down on last year’s 8.5 million – viewers tuned in from 7.30pm to 10pm, with a peak of 10.2 million.