War hero Colin Thackery WINS show
The 89-year-old, who served in the military for 25 years, said he was 'astonished' when he was announced as the winner
War hero Colin Thackery has won Britain's Got Talent and the chance to perform in front of the Queen after capturing the hearts of the nation with his performance of 'Love
changes Everything.' The 89-year-old, who served in the military for 25 years, said he was 'astonished' when he was announced as the winner of the ITV show last night.
Colin had sailed through to the final after wowing audiences in the auditions singing 'We'll
Meet Again' in a tribute to his late wife Joan, who he married in 1950 before being sent to fight in the Korean War. The Chelsea Pensioner served in the 45th regiment of the Royal Artillery, the Queen's Army, and was one of the 100,000 British troops sent to the Korean peninsula.
On the battlefield, his hearing was permanently damaged by artillery fire and he suffered frostbite in one leg, but it was in the army where his musical talents blossomed and where he performed in a band.
Speaking after he was crowned this year's champion last night, he said: 'I am stuck for words for a change. Thank you very much, all of you, for all the backing I've had.'
Earlier in the show he declared he could 'die happy' if he won the series. The prize for the show is £250k plus a slot at the Royal Variety Performance,
singing before the Queen. He added: 'I have served her for 25 years, to sing in front of her would be a dream come true.
' After his rendition of Love Changes Everything earlier in the evening, judge Amanda Holden appeared to predict the show's outcome, commenting: 'You are unbeatable. You're a gentleman, I respect you, you inspire me, everyone loves you.'
'This isn't about the glitz and the glamour for you. Or about fame. You served your country and I hope tonight they serve you.'