Can you honestly believe that Britain’s Got Talent has been on our screens for over ten years? The first series aired in 2007, and it has been an annual event since (crikey, we practically feel like a fossil…).
Unlike other shows of Simon Cowell’s creation, i.e. The X Factor; Britain’s Got Talent showcases a whole host of various talents other than singing. There has been dancers, musicians, magicians, comedians, animal acts and singers… We were never going to get rid of them fully, were we?
With series twelve finished, even more people have been added to the list of previous contestants. The question is, can you remember what they looked like? Have a read to find out…
Let’s start on a high
George Sampson was the winner of the second series of the show – with a street dance act.
Singing in the rain…
Sampson had planned to perform a dance to a Bee Gees song in the final, but changed his mind an HOUR before the live show stared!
Nowadays, he is predominantly an actor, having starred in Waterloo Road and most recently Emmerdale.
What is he pointing to?
After being inspired by Wayne Rooney, he got a hair transplant and claims it has changed his career…
Connie Talbot stole the judge’s (and nation’s) hearts in the first series of the show.
What a cutie
She wowed everyone with her rendition of the song, Over The Rainbow, but lost out to Paul Potts.
Look what we have here
Only seven years old when she went on BGT, she is now seventeen! She has continued to release albums.
All grown up
Her most recent album, Matters To Me, was released in 2016. Its hit single was Shut Up (Move On).
Jonathan and Charlotte were two opera singers who were runners up on the sixth series of the show.
Do you remember them?
Did you know that they were just seventeen and sixteen at the time of the show?!
The pair released the albums Together in 2012 and Perhaps Love in 2013, before announcing their split.
Going their own ways
In a joint statement, they said:
“To now be offered our own solo record deals by Sony Classical is the most exciting thing ever and we are thrilled to be going back into the recording studio”
Each to their own!
Do you remember these?
Spelbound left both the viewer and the judges completely speechless with their gravity-defying gymnastic and acrobatic routines.
In all their glory…
The group ending up winning the fourth series of Britain’s Got Talent, back in 2010.
Since their rise to fame, they have performed for various different causes – including the 2012 Olympic games.
What an honour!
As can be imagined, the line up has changed over the years with some members going to university or wanting to focus on different things.
The eighth series of the show saw Jon Clegg finish seventh with his impressionist and comedian act.
Funniest thing may have been his suit…
He was originally voted out in the semi-finals, but came back as the judges ‘wildcard’.
Who was your favourite contestant?
Since his time on the show Clegg has starred in numerous pantomimes – one with The X Factor winner Sam Bailey!
Bet Simon was happy about that
He has also continued to do his impressions as a voice artist for the ITV show, Newzoids.
Perhaps more famously known for her unusual name, Lettice Rawbotham appeared on the eighth series.
Does she look familiar to you?
Rumour has it that she was also hungover during her audition – she still got through didn’t she!
Nowadays, she uploads videos to her YouTube channel of her most recent violin performances/ practices.
Only Lettice
She has also performed for Vladimir Putin’s, known for being the president of Russia, daughter. As you do…
Ready for more?
Twist and Pulse appeared on the fourth series of BGT, and were runners up to Spelbound.
Recognise them?
The presenters of the show, Ant and Dec said:
“With their bright hip hop outfits and body popping moves, they reminded us of ourselves back in our P J & Duncan days with one small difference, they could actually dance, and we um couldn’t.”
Since the show, they have gone from strength to strength. for example, in 2016 they choreographed their first full pantomime, Peter Pan.
Not a bad look boys
They also earned a Guinness world record! They performed the most synchronised moves in thirty seconds – they managed an impressive 130 moves!
Originally performing under the name of Scala, the now named ‘Escala’ are an electronic string quartet.
Loving the co-ordination
They reached the finals of the second series, unfortunately missing out on a place in the top three.
Keep reading
The quartet has had a few line up changes since their time on Britain’s Got Talent.
More themed outfits!
Izzy Johnston (who has since got married to McFly drummer Harry Judd) Nastasya Hodges and Chantal Abel, have all left the group for various reasons.
When he was just fourteen, Jack Carroll went on the seventh series of BGT: finishing as runner-up.
The man of the hour
Although he didn’t win the show, he still was signed to Simon Cowell’s company, Syco.
More recently he has continued his comedy performance, but has also branched out into acting.
On ‘Live At The Apollo’
In 2012, Carroll won a Pride of Britain Award for being a “Teenager of Courage”.
More is more
Bars and Melody rose to fame after finishing third in the eighth series of the show.
Who is who?
The pair received the golden buzzer from Simon Cowell, meaning they went straight through to the semi-finals.
They’ve continued to keep growing – both career-wise and in age – since appearing on the show.
Told you so!
They have released numerous albums, both in the UK and in Japan. Strange, I know!
Originally from Winnipeg in Canada, magician Darcy Oake wowed us all with his magic tricks.
Did they vote for his looks?
At his audition, Simon Cowell called him:
“without question the best magician ever on Britain’s Got Talent.”
TOWIE?
He was obviously a huge hit with ITV, who decided to give him his own show!
Wit-woo!
It launched in 2014, under the name: Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality, which was hosted by Christine Lampard.
More commonly known for being on The Only Way Is Essex, Megan McKenna also appeared on Britain’s Got Talent!
Throwback
She was part of the music duo ‘Harmony’ and ended up reaching the semi-finals of the third series.
Apart from recording The Only Way Is Essex, she has also launched her music career.
So pretty
And a clothing range called Studio Mouthy. And a make up line called Mouthy Cosmetics.
More former contestants for you
Perhaps one of the most beautiful performances on BGT, Attraction won over the whole nation.
Remember them now?
They found fame when performing at the Hungary Olympic Oath Ceremony for the London 2012 Olympics.
Since their Britain’s Got Talent series seven win, they have continued to have appearances on TV.
Did you like them?
They starred on Ant and Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway and on an advert for Swinton Insurance.
Calum Scott was the nervous singer who ended up getting the golden buzzer after his sister, Jade, who got three “no”s.
It was more than a “yes”
He reached the finals of the ninth series, but ended up finishing in sixth place.
Who was last year’s winner?
He has continued to pursue his music, and came out with a new single this year.
That smise though
The song is called “No Matter What” it is said to be about his coming out story.
Pianist and music producer, Tokio Myers, was the winner of the 2017 series of Britain’s Got Talent.
Can you believe he’s 34?!
Before appearing on BGT, he was a support act, most famously for Kanye West and Amy Winehouse.
Since his win he has released many of his songs, and even a brand new album!
With his boss!
His album is called, Our Generation, and includes some of his Britain’s Got Talent performances.
Eurovision?
Ryan O’Shaughnessy is an Irish (what gave it away?) singer and actor who came fifth in the sixth series of BGT.
Top o’ the mornin’
It wasn’t without some controversy though, as he was also appearing on The Voice of Ireland at the same time!
He has most recently represented Ireland in the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest – finishing 16th.
Did you watch it?
Yet again, O’Shaughnessy’s performance had controversy, after he had two male dancers performing together, and hence it was not shown in certain countries.
Old Men Grooving took the nation by storm with their dance, rather than dad, moves.
They were so cool!
OMG, their nickname, got four yeses, and even got this comment from Simon:
“A lot of dance acts I get bored rigid by, but I could watch you guys all night”.
Bet you know the next one!
They have since performed across the world and are continually asked to appear on TV.
Those shirts…
You can keep up to date with what they are doing by following them on Twitter!
Stavros Flatley are the father and son dance duo who appeared on the 2009 series.
How could you forget them?
The pair ended up finishing in fourth place with their ‘Lord of the Dance’ inspired routine.
Since then the pair have continued to tour together – with Lagi (the son) even taking a year out of school!
The pair recently
Last year, it was revealed that Lagi had been arrested for drugs! I bet his father wasn’t pleased…
‘Doing it for the kids’
Although he had never had a dance lesson, Aidan Davis stole the judge’s hearts in the third series.
Does he look familiar?
Simon Cowell said that his performance for the final wasn’t as good as the semi-final, and made him cry!
Post Britain’s Got Talent, Davis decided to pursue careers in both TV presenting and music.
My my my…
He presented the CBBC show Friday Download and released his first song, ‘Lets Dance’ in which he raps.
Beau Dermott shot to fame after reaching the final of the tenth series of Britain’s Got Talent.
So cute!
She sang ‘Defying Gravity’ in her audition, and blew everyone, especially judge Amanda Holden (who gave her the golden buzzer!).
Have you recognised anyone yet?
Since BGT, she has signed with Decca Records and her debut album, Brave, was released in September 2017.
She looks like an angel
She did a concert in Liverpool which was in aid of Cancer Research, as her father was diagnosed with the illness.
I told you that BGT wasn’t just singers! Steve Hewlett starred on the show as a ventriloquist.
Ringing any bells?
After initially being voted out of the show, Hewlett was brought back as the wildcard act.
He signed to ROAR Global, an entertainment agency, shortly after the Britain’s Got Talent final.
Who do you think the puppet is?
In 2014, he led a team on the quiz show, Eggheads, he took his famous puppet (Arthur Lager) with him.
Get ready for some rogues
They were known as a ‘musical canine freestyle act’ whilst on the show: it’s Kate and Gin!
He’s looking for the gin…
They appeared on the show’s second series, making it all the way to the final.
Since their appearance, they have appeared in pantomimes as well as publishing a book! Surprise, surprise… it’s about dog training.
Who’s that?
Kate has now joined the Royal Army Veterinary Corps, where she trains dogs for military personnel.
Loveable Rogues were a band who appeared on the sixth series of the talent show.
Definitely loveable
They ended up reaching the live final of the show, but lost out to Ashleigh and Pudsey.
What a shame!
Unfortunately, they have now split, stating:
“We’ve had the most incredible time as a band – writing, performing, touring and playing together for half a decade – but the time feels right to head in different directions and take on new endeavours”.
No more…
Since their split, Sonny Jay has become a radio presenter for the radio station, Phoenix FM.
At just ten years old, Hollie Steel was a finalist in BGT for her singing.
Like butter wouldn’t melt
She finished in sixth place overall, and wasn’t even supposed to audition – her parents only doing it so she wouldn’t feel left out (her brother wanted to audition but dropped out).
Steel and her family started a record label, BB5 Records – named after their postcode.
She looks so different!
She has continued to follow her music dreams, by releasing both albums and singles across the world.
I say Britain…
After creating a portrait of judge Michael McIntyre out of toast and marmite, Nathan Wyburn made it to the semi-finals!
Can you see a resemblance to the comedian?
However, the judges declared that he took too long to create his work in the semi-final act which saw the end of his BGT time.
He has continued to create work, branching from toast into other unconventional methods like painting with his tongue!
With Joanna Lumley
Talking about his own work, he has stated:
“I do strive to be taken seriously. It would be nice to get that sort of recognition”.
DJ Talent starred on Britain’s Got Talent with his talent act being his DJ talent.
Could we say talent anymore?
His DJing talent ended up securing him a place in the semi-finals in the third series of the show.
…You say talent!
Apart from appearing on BGT, he has also starred on the TV show, The Jeremy Kyle Show.
Are you that surprised?
His mother, Patricia, took him on the show after questioning his DJ lifestyle and respect for women.
Even smaller than BGT host Dec, Jake Paul appeared on series one as a comedian.
Look how sweet!
He only managed to reach the semi-finals, after failing to secure a place in the grand final.
He has since been in the hit Christmas film, Nativity! and also appeared on the West End in Billy Elliot: The Musical.
Lost the glasses
He also appeared in Matilda: The Musical and as ‘Murdered Man’ in a Christmas version of Chicago.
Jai who?
Jai McDowall won the fifth series of Britain’s Got Talent after singing his heart out.
The winning man
His debut album, Believe, failed to do well, and hence he was dropped from Syco.
McDowall has been reported to call Simon Cowell, Britain’s Got Talent judge and Syco owner, “anti-Scottish”.
Looking swish
Responding to the comment, Cowell stated that he continues to work Susan Boyle – who is also Scottish!
Do you remember John Farnworth? He was a football freestyler who appeared in the 2009 series.
Good hair
He impressed the judges enough to make it through the first round, but didn’t do enough for a semi-final place.
Still at it…
He has gained numerous Guinness World records, such as most around the worlds in under a minute.
Mad skillz m8
He decided to branch out into acting, and in 2017, he appeared in the CBBC show, Jamie Johnson.
Last but not least, we have the singer, Asanda, who was a finalist in the seventh series of BGT.
She’s a cutie
Although she made it through to the finals, she ended up coming in last place.
Similarly to O’Shaughnessy, Asanda auditioned to represent the UK for Eurovision 2018, but was unsuccessful.
Tough luck!
People stated that her inexperience of live performing is what let her down.
Did you remember any of these? We officially feel like a fossil. Thank you and goodnight.
