It's magic! Corporal Jones is BGT winner
‘I will work hard to be the best’
RICHARD JONES stormed to victory in Britain’s Got Talent last night.
The magician won over the public and judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden.
He had to battle it out with 11 other acts, which included an impressionist, a trained dog and a sword swallower, to scoop the £250,000 prize and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance.
Lance-Corporal Richard, a Household Cavalry bandsman, was the bookies’ favourite to be crowned winner.
He dedicated his act to 97-year-old magician Fergus Anckorn who was taken prisoner during the Second World War and survived the notorious Burma Railway.
Richard, 25, dealt cards that coincided with the dates and themes of Mr Anckorn’s life story. And the veteran joined him on stage along with his regimental band.
The winner vowed to leave the Forces for a career in magic if offers came in after his television success.
He said: “My future with the Army all depends on whether or not I get offered something amazing.
“I want to be known as one of the world’s best magicians and I’ll work really hard to get there.”
Last night’s live final kicked off with Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins who sang Rule Britannia before handing over to hosts Ant and Dec.
Also making it to the final was 12-yearold singing sensation Beau Dermott. And comedian David Walliams ended up covered in water after joking it was Amanda Holden’s last year as a judge.
David, 44, said he hoped Beau would win the contest as it would be a nice way for Amanda, 45, to say goodbye to the show, despite her not actually leaving.
The 45-year-old is the only judge to have appeared on every series.
Viewers were also treated to an appearance by Diversity’s Ashley Banjo to mark the 10th anniversary of the series. The dance troupe won BGT in 2009.
The current series has pulled in regular audiences of more than 10 million, with one edition attracting almost 12.5 million viewers.
Last night’s final should beat this number, but only when the full ratings have been calculated.
Britain’s Got Talent 2015 had official ratings of 12.75 million.
Also making the ITV final were married couple Shannon and Peter Parker, who were the judges’ pick for one of the wild card places, with dog act Lucy and Trip Hazard the public choice.
They were up against 100 Voices of Gospel, and mother and son singing duo Mel and Jamie.
Wayne Woodward, the Danny Dyer sound-alike, was the public’s choice in the second semi-final. Alex Magala from Moldova wowed the crowd with his death-defying sword swallowing stunts.