Grim Squeaker ‘had a ball’ on talent show

GRIM Squeaker ‘absolutely loved’ his time on Ireland’s Got Talent.

The Greystones performer, pictured, who is also known as Brian Donnelly, made it to the semi-final which aired on TV3 last Thursday night. He describes himself as a freak show artist and his performance last week was a fire-breathing, glass-drinking, cucumber-chopping spectacular.

‘I had a great time,’ he said. ‘I got to work with the most professional producers and choreographers and we all had a great time back stage.

‘ The live shows in particular were a great experience. There was a lot more waiting around on audition days. The semi-final was more like a production.’

He said that he does a lot of cabaret in smaller venues and enjoyed being part of a big variety show.

‘Obviously it’s a little disappointing [not to get to the final], I know my act is a hard sell,’ said Brian. ‘I think I gave it 110 per cent.’

‘I don’t like it!’ said Denise Van Outen on Thursday night. ‘You’re a great performer, but I find it freaky and scary, I am more petrified now.’ Jason Byrne said Grim was really good and a festival performer. ‘As a man, the cucumber tricks were terrifying,’ he said.

‘It’s scary, it’s different, but I don’t know if you’re gonna get through,’ said Louis Walsh after his semi-final performance.

Some of the act was modified for the TV audience, which Brian said goes hand-in-hand with the nature of the act.

‘My whole stick is all the props are real, all the stunts are real. I don’t use anything outlandish.

‘It was a wonderful experience. I don’t think I could have done any better.’

He said that he understands that the type of act he performs might not be everyone’s cup of tea.

‘Not everyone likes a roll- er-coaster,’ he said. ‘It’s a scare for a good time.’

His family came along for the show and it was the first time his mum had ever seen his act. ‘She was really proud,’ said Brian.

His father and partner Kitty’s father got into the spirit of things by painting their faces in skeletal-looking make-up and everyone wore ‘Team Squeaker’ t-shirts.

Ultimately dance troupe RDC went on to win the top prize of €50,000 in Saturday night’s final at the Helix.