BGT SHOWDOWN
Hero Colin wins at 89.. & is now set to get big record deal
WAR hero Colin Thackery won Britain’s Got Talent last night, as record label bosses said that they were ready to offer him a deal.
The 89-year-old – who was the bookies’ favourite going into last night’s final – has wowed viewers with his singing over the course of the ITV series.
He scooped the top prize of £250,000, ahead of magicians Ben Hart and X – unmasked last night as Mark Spellmann – who also made it into the top three.
Colin sang Love Changes Everything from the musical Aspects of Love.
After winning, he said: “I am absolutely astonished. Incredible. I am lost for words for a change.” Judge David Walliams, 47, said: “What a magic moment you have created on this show. I think tonight you are unbeatable.”
Simon Cowell, 59, paid tribute, saying: “Everything that you stand for you have genuinely my u t m o s t respect. I salute you.”
BGT boss Simon would have first refusal working with Colin on any potential deal through his Syco record label. But insiders say other record labels are also ready to pounce with their own offers.
A source said: “Colin has really struck a chord with the British public – not only has he a lovely voice, but he has served his country with distinction. It’s a story to cherish and one which looks set to continue. He may be nearly 90, but it’s never too late to realise your dreams.
“If Simon doesn’t sign him up, others will certainly try to. He will be in demand.” A record industry source said: “The D-Day Darlings [wartime choir] came seventh
[last year] and their album – released on Syco’s partner Sony Music – proved a huge success.
“And the belief amongst record executives is that Colin has even more commercial potential.”
Chelsea Pensioner
Colin has lived at the veterans residence, Royal Hospital Chelsea, in South West London, since his wife of more than 60 years, Joan, died three years ago. Colin has said before he thinks Joan would have been thrilled at his success. He said: “Joan had a very good alto voice and we sang together in an operatic society. She would have been delighted.” Colin served in the 45th regiment of the Royal Artillery, going to war in Korea just two weeks after getting married. He lost some of his hearing after coming under attack, but leapt singing. At the weekend, his proud son Peter spoke how Colin’s tribute to Joan was “bittersweet” for the family. He told the Sunday Mirror: “It’s tough because it wasn’t that long ago we lost Mum. But it’s also very sweet hearing Dad talk about how he feels about her.” Peter said that his dad’s Army career meant the world to him. “The Army was very good to my dad. He had a difficult East End background – money was tight, it was wartime and he didn’t have the best education. All boy soldiers were taught to play an instrument. Dad learned the bugle and drum, then started singing.”
Peter is an IT worker while his sister, Dawn, is a design teacher and mum of two. Peter said of his dad: “For a man his age, he’s remarkable. He’s bright and lucid as ever.” Colin was joined in last night’s final by Flakefleet Primary School choir, daredevil act Jonathan Goodwin, Libby and Charlie, Dave and Finn, 4MG, Siobhan Phillips, Kojo Anim, and Mark McMullan. The 11 acts vied for a £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance 2019.
Former BGT winners Diversity performed a new dance routine, while runner-up Susan Boyle, 58, duetted with Michael Ball, 56, on A Million Dreams.
Yes, Colin is nearly 90, but it is never too late realise your dreams MUSIC INSIDER ON THE PENSIONER’S POTENTIAL
THEY had suitcases instead of kit bags, clutched walking sticks not rifles and wore jaunty berets and Panama hats instead of the old tin helmets.
But as they filed up the gangplank of the ship bound for France the 255 veterans of D-Day still had hearts bursting with pride and dignity.
Seventy-five years after they left Blighty to liberate Europe and defeat Hitler’s Nazis, these now-elderly soldiers, sailors and airmen were returning to Normandy to pay tribute to the comrades who never came home.
A Royal British Legion-chartered ship, the Boudicca, is taking them on a cruise along the south coast of England before crossing the channel for services in Bayeux and Arromanches on Thursday.
Yesterday the honoured passengers, aged from 91 to 101, were welcomed
aboard in Dover with music, dancing and a surprise rendition of Sailing from rocker Rod Stewart, who then met the veterans.
One of the first to arrive was Frederick Adamson, 99, from Coningsborough near Doncaster. He served in the 49th West Riding
Division of the King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, known as the Polar Bears because of their service in Iceland. Helped by his grandson, Philip, Fred beamed as he was played on board by the Dover Sea Cadets Band. “My word,” he said. “We certainly didn’t get a welcome like that 75 years ago!”
Jim Docherty, 94, an Able Seaman deployed on the destroyer HMS Obedient, had travelled from Scotland for the trip with his son, Joe, 67. He only found out that his father had served on D-Day when he was invited on the trip five months ago. Jim said: “I’ve never returned to Normandy before – it’s not something I wanted to remember. But this could be our last chance.”
Rear Admiral John Roberts, 95, from Whitstable, was serving as a sub lieutenant on HMS Serapis on D-Day. Veteran Joseph Weaver, 97, was also making the trip.
John said: “There were bombers, battleships – everything was firing at the shore but it was a success. We caught the Germans by surprise. They didn’t think we were going to come there.”
There was also a recorded message from the Forces’ sweetheart, Dame Vera Lynn, 102. She said: “Hello boys, Vera Lynn here. I wish you and your carers a memorable trip to Normandy. It will be nostalgic and sure to bring back lots of memories. R est assured we will never forget all you did for us.”