BLAKE’S HEAVEN
BGT comic winner laughing all the way to the bank
AXEL Blake blew away the judges and thrilled the public last night to be crowned Britain’s Got Talent winner 2022.
The comedian scooped a £250,000 prize and a spot on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance after winning the public vote.
Axel – Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer act – secured a spot in the final thanks to his quick-witted routine during Friday’s semi-final.
Ventriloquist Jamie Leahey, 13, was runner-up with his impressive routine alongside his puppet chicken Chuck.
Singer Tom Ball came third for his powerful rendition of Rise Like A Phoenix by Eurovision star Conchita Wurst.
Busker Maxwell Thorpe, from Sheffield, had been the bookies’ favourite after overcoming nerves in his first audition.
Lauren Allred, the voice behind the track Never Enough from The Greatest Showman, impressed the judges in Thursday’s semifinal with an emotional performance of You Say by Lauren Daigle.
Comedian Eva Abley, 14, reached the final after leaving the judges in stitches by poking fun at her cerebral palsy, which affects her speech and movement.
Dance group Five Star Boys, made up of boys between the ages of 10 and 12 who hope to encourage other young boys to dance, performed to a cover version of David Bowie’s Heroes.
Schoolboy Aneeshwar Kunchala, seven, also landed a place after he won over hearts with his poetry about the environment.
Completing the finale line-up was impressionist Ben Nickless and musical duo Flintz and Taylor.
Amber and Her Dancing Collies joined the 10 finalists as the wildcard choice and went for a Grease-themed routine. Earlier, head judge Simon Cowell insisted the format of the show will not change from the current mix of amateurs and pros.
He said: “Our job is just to try and make the show as interesting as possible, try and attract talent from all over the world.
“We had no idea who was going to turn up and that’s still the case. No one believes me but it really is the truth. I haven’t a clue.”