It's a dog's life as Ashleigh and Pudsey beat Jonathan and Charlotte to win Britain's Got Talent

By EMILY SHERIDAN

PUBLISHED: 21:58, 12 May 2012 | UPDATED: 22:42, 12 May 2012

Ashleigh Butler and her dog Pudsey are the winners of this year's Britain's Got Talent.

The 17-year-old from Wellingborough, Northamptonshire and her six-year-old dog narrowly beat Jonathan Antoine and Charlotte Jaconelli to the title after receiving the most votes from the public, leaving Welsh choir Only Boys Allowed in third place.

An emotional Ashleigh, who is due to sit her AS Levels next week, was lost for words after finding out she had won the £500,000 prize.

Scroll down to watch a video of their winning performance

Winners: Ashleigh Buter and her dog Pudsey have won this year's Britain's Got Talent

Impressive: Ashleigh and Pudsey wowed the viewers and the judges with their routine to the Mission: Impossible theme

She gushed: 'A massive thank you to everyone that voted for me.'

Essex duo Jonathan, 17, and Charlotte, 16, were gracious runners-up after they said they had an amazing experience.

Charlotte said: 'Oh my God, we came second. Its incredible.'

All the judges agreed the show had been too close to call because the standard of the 11 acts had been so high.

Special bond: Simon Cowell described the pair as one of his favourite ever acts on Britain's Got Talent

Congratulations: Judges Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and David Walliams join the winners on stage

Ashleigh and her Pudsey had been the penultimate act to perform with their tricks act to the Mission: Impossible theme.

Simon was their biggest cheerleader: 'I think Pudsey is training you. One of my favourite ever acts. You know how much I love dogs. I adore both of you Ashleigh and Pudsey. You've got better and better. What you've done is such a short time is a miracle.'

David enthused: 'I can't believe you've come out here and done another new act. The nation has fallen in love with you and Pudsey.'

Gracious runners-up: Teen opera duo Jonathan Antoine and Charlotte Jaconelli narrowly missed out on the title

But as the show progressed, the judges believed it would be between the two final acts to perform and they were right.

The first act to perform was a surprise as hosts Ant and Dec announced boy band The Mend had won the Wild Card place in the final.

The four-piece, who sang Sang Usher and David Guetta's song Without You, had previously narrowly missed out on a place after coming third in the first semi-final last Sunday.

Wild card: boy band The Mend won a place in the final and opened the show with a rendition of Usher and David Guetta's song Without You

Simon told them: 'It was a little bit shaky at the beginning, but I'll put that down to nerves. Then you hit another gear. You did a great performance.'

Alesha was also a big fan: 'You are the full package. You look good. You're an incredible rapper. I love the way to vocalise as a harmony group. I would love to see you at Wembley.'

Second to perform was singer/musician Sam Kelly, who took a risk by performing Bless The Broken Road by country group Rascal Flatts, who are little known outside their native U.S.

David commended him for choosing an unknown track: 'That was your performance ever. With a song most of us don't know you had us in the palm of your hands.'

Taking a risk: Sam Kelly sang relatively unknown track Bless The Broken Road by American country group Rascal Flatts

Alesha agreed: 'That was just gorgeous. Your vocals are so smooth. That performance had an emotional connection which was slightly lacking before.'

Stepping up the pace was Welsh dance troupe Nu Sxool, who put on an energetic routine to a mash-up of songs.

The group started squealing with excitement after Simon told them: 'This was by far your best far audition in the competition.'

Young Essex singer Molly Rainford, 11, had all the judges standing on their feet after her soaring rendition of the Beyonce version of Ave Maria.

Little powerhouse: Molly Rainford, 11, had all the judges standing on their feet after her soaring rendition of the Beyonce version of Ave Maria

Amanda admitted she was moved to tears: 'You left me so choked up. You are utterly amazing.'

Simon praised her for stepping up her vocals: 'That is you as a church singer which is what your should be doing. Tonight was 110 per cent. You've just thrown a bomb under the whole competition.

Winning over all the judges again was London 'lad band' Loveable Rogues with their own song Honest.

Amanda said: 'The personality that you have comes right through your songs. You're like modern folk singers. You're just funny. You're hysterical.'

Sound like they've already made it: London 'lad band' Loveable Rogues performed their own song Honest

Simon was full of praise when he said they sounded like they had already made it: 'You're like someone who's already made it who comes to perform on the results show. There's a real market for you and I predict great things for you.'

Latin American dance duo Kai Widdrington and Natalia Javed had a mixed reception from the judges after their performance to Bruno Mars' Runaway Baby.

In the VT, Natalia admitted she was concerned about the performance after injuring her calf during rehearsals, leaving her seeing a physiotherapist.

Struggle: Latin American dancer Natalia Javed had injured her calf during rehearsals, which somewhat affected her performance with partner Kai Widdrington

Drawing experience from her three years on the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel, Alesha admitted there were some issues.

She said: 'I have to be honest, but I think it was more disjointed. I think Kai was more ahead than Natali and am not as sure if it was down to the injury.'

But Simon praised them for doing their best during an unfortunate scenario: 'Hours ago you were lying in torture on that table. I think viewers will forgive the slip-up in the middle. I love people like you that are hard workers.'

Synchronised swimming group Aquabatique performed in silver and red swimsuits to a mix of various songs from a tank outside the studios.

Chilly: Synchronised swimming group Aquabatique performed in silver and red swimsuits to a mix of various songs from a tank outside the studios

Despite his own swimming experience and hiring the girls to perform at his 2010 wedding to Lara Stone, David was disappointed.

He said: 'I loved that girls, I didn't love it as much as the other night. It didn't have the coherence as a piece. But I don't think people appreciate how hard it is to do.'

However, the remainder of the judges disagreed, with Simon hitting back: 'David may be a very good swimmer but he doesn't know about synchronised swimming. I like the fact you're very patriotic.
I thought it was an amazing amazing routine.'

Irish singer/songwriter Ryan O'Shaughnessy, who was a contestant on The Voice of Ireland, wowed everyone with his own track No Name.

Moving Simon to tears: Irish singer/songwriter Ryan O'Shaughnessy wowed everyone with his own track No Name

David said: 'That is the most emotional performance we've ever seen on Britain's Got Talent. You so connected with the song you were singing. You were heartbreaking. You're going to have a big future as a musician.'

Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud sang a rousing version of Welsh song Calon Lân.

Simon admitted he was really moved by the song: 'This is why I love this show, I got emotional listening to a song and I didn't understand a word of it. This is the best of the night for me.'

Third ain't a bad place to be: Welsh choir Only Bots Allowed were in third place

Alesha added: 'It was a really special moment. I could feel the passion from every single one of you. I felt it from all of you.'

Runners-up Jonathan and Charlotte were the last to perform with a powerful rendition of The Prayer.

Simon admitted again he had been moved by the song: 'Tonight's made me feel quite emotional. You're both talented and your loyalty and friendship makes you special.'

Hitting the high notes: Classical singer Jonathan had the judges on their feet as he and Charlotte sang The Prayer

Amanda managed to censor herself admitted she was inspired to swear because they were so good: 'Just ridiculously good. If I could swear, I would say .... me, you're brilliant.'

Meanwhile, former Britain's Got Talent acts, dance troupe Diversity and Scottish singer Susan Boyle returned to the stage to perform as the viewers cast their votes.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2143508/Britains-Got-Talent-final-Ashleigh-Pudsey-win.html#ixzz1uhMdJ1lK

Britain's Got Talent Catch Up

'Their loss is our gain': Singer Ryan O'Shaughnessy makes triumphant return to BGT as he enters the final with Aquabatique

By KIMBERLEY DADDS

PUBLISHED: 22:07, 10 May 2012 | UPDATED: 07:39, 11 May 2012

He almost missed out on appearing in the Britain's Got Talent semi-final tonight after Simon Cowell found out he was contracted to another TV talent show.

But now singer/songwriter Ryan O'Shaughnessy has become one of the favourites to win this Saturday after being voted through to the final this evening.

After he showcased another one of his heartfelt tracks which he had penned himself, Simon couldn't help but grin from ear-to-ear.

In the final: Singer/songwriter Ryan O'Shaughnessy made a triumphant return to BGT tonight as he was voted into the final after initially being axed from the show last week

Ecstatic: Ryan couldn't contain his happiness when he learnt he was the winner of the night and will be performing again on Saturday

The music mogul told him: 'Their loss is our gain... I really, really, really like you. You're believable... maybe you could be the dark horse in this competition. I believe in you.'

Last week it was revealed Ryan had to be axed from Britain's Got Talent because he was signed up to The Voice of Ireland.

But he managed to get out of his contract with Universal so he could be allowed back on BGT.

And Simon wasn't the only one pleased to see him again.

David told him: 'You are a major talent. You come on to the stage, you've done another original song, which was absolutely fantastic. This girl who won't go out with you, I don't know who she is but she's doing you a favour as you're writing the most beautiful songs about her'.

In sync: Synchronised swimmers Aquabatique wowed with their James Bond-themed routine and were also put through

Triumphant: Simon Cowell was so impressed with the girls he revealed he's planning to build his own tank in his mansion

Ryan originally auditioned with a song he'd written about a friend he'd liked for several years.

But after she found out about his feelings following the show earlier this year, he has revealed he hasn't got the 'fairytale ending' he had been hoping for.

But Alesha Dixon reassured him: 'It's her loss I'm afraid'.

Through! The girls have another routine up their sleeves ready for the live final this weekend

And Simon added: 'I wouldn't worry about her because you're going to get so much action after this'.

And another act to wow the judges yet again was synchronised swimmers Aquabatique, who were saved by Simon, David and Amanda in the final stages tonight.

In the first part of the show, basketball/trampoline stunt artists Face Team were the first to take to the stage and they set the bar high with their impressive routine.

The Hungarian sports men wowed all four judges who were stunned at their daring manouevres.

Thumbs up: Singer Hope Murphy, 16, and teenage comedian Callum Oakley were a hit with all four judges but failed to get the public vote to the final

Following their energetic act an astounded Simon Cowell told them: 'You actually risked your life, I love that. Honestly guys it was outstanding'.

And Alesha likened them to 'jumping spidermen', while David complimented them on their red satin shorts.

Another act to impress was 16-year-old Essex singer Hope Murphy, who Simon branded 'a young Adele'.

While another teenager, Callum Oakley, impressed with his comedy routine, even winning over comic judge David Walliams.

The Little Britain star told Callum: 'Whatever happens tonight you are going to be a comedy star of the future.'

Impressive skills: Acrobat Billy George, 21, was a hit for his talent... as well as his topless act

Overwhelmed: The 21-year-old was ecstatic with his feedback from the judges and audience but narrowly missed out on the final after getting into tonight's top three

And the other judges agreed, insisting BGT would be a big platform for him whether he wins or not.

Acrobat Billy George also proved popular with the audience - even before he'd shown off his talent thanks to his bare chest.

And the female judges couldn't help but comment on his toned physique after he wowed with his acrobatic act.

Amanda told him: 'The way you are dressed helps. You are the Peter Pan of the hoop world and I believe, I believe!'

Potty! Dalek impersonator Martyn Crofts failed to impress Simon Cowell but seemed to entertain everyone else with his bizarre act

Getting involved: Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden were humoured by Martyn and joined in by wearing their own saucepans on their heads

...But Simon Cowell was less than impressed when Amanda tried to get him to join in

Oh dear! Especially when David started banging his head with yet another saucepan

David also joked that Alesha fancied the 21-year-old, to which she replied: 'He's got a great body... You fancy him too!'

But Cowell added some seriousness to the panel as he added: 'I think what you did was absolutely brilliant'.

And the audience obviously agreed as he was placed in the top three with the public votes, before the judges voted him out in favour of Aquabatique.

But Simon was left less than impressed with Dalek impersonator Martyn Crofts and even buzzed him halfway through as he continued his act with a saucepan on his head.

Amanda, who a encouraged all of the die hard Doctor Who fans to vote for him, but Simon pleaded with them not to.

Strictly Wheels: Dance duo Gary and Paula received mixed views from the judges, with them all agreeing it was a joyous act - but some preferred the first audition

Feedback: Paula was pleased to have been given the chance to perform again on the last semi-final of the week

And he was begrudgingly forced to join in the fun when the other three judges placed an upside down saucepan on the music mogul's head, while David proceeded to bang it with his own pan.

Simon complained: 'Arguably the most stupid act I've ever seen on this show. It is insane beyond belief. I'm urging Doctor Who fans not to put you through.'

He also buzzed lazor harp player Grieg Stewart, as did Amanda after he failed to impress with the technical act.

Big hit: Hungarian trampolinists/basketball players Face Team gave a triumphant start to the show

Hopeful: Simon was particularly impressed with Face Team and told them they had risked their lives for their high energy sequence

But it was down to David to lighten the mood and ensure the 27-year-old musician didn't feel too downhearted - and to give a dig to his pal Simon.

Walliams reassured him: 'You know why Simon buzzed? Because he doesn't know what the kids are getting down to'.

Dancing duo Strictly Wheels drew mixed comments from the panelists with their sequence.

Under pressure: Lazor harp player Grieg Stewart failed to ignite the judges' imagination after a few slip ups

Feedback: Alesha enjoyed the music and dance aspect but Simon branded it 'terrible'

Overall they seemed to like the concept, but both Alesha and Amanda surmised that they'd preferred their audition piece better.

Although David told Gary, 38, and Paula, 41, who was wheelchair bound: 'It is completely joyous and you've given a lot of hope to people out there'.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2142618/Britains-Got-Talent-2012-Singer-Ryan-OShaughnessy-makes-triumphant-return-BGT-enters-final-Aquabatique.html#ixzz1uYHFzHNO

Leggy lady! Amanda Holden goes for an unusually high hemline on BGT while she and Alesha fool around with saucepans on their heads

By KIMBERLEY DADDS

PUBLISHED: 23:15, 10 May 2012 | UPDATED: 00:34, 11 May 2012

All week they've been ensuring they dress to impress as millions of eyes are on them during the Britain's Got Talent semi-finals.

And last night was no different as both Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon put on their finest dresses.

But it was Amanda who stood out the most thanks to her unusually high hemline.

Dressed to impress: Amanda Holden showed off an unusually high hemline on Britain's Got Talent tonight, as Alesha Dixon dressed in a demure gold and black frock

The blonde actress, 41, stepped on to the BGT stage in a minuscule shimmering silver dress which showed off her legs to the max.

And she emphasised her pins even more in a pair of sky-high strappy black heels.

It was a flattering cut for Amanda, who covered up her top half to compensate for the rest of her flesh on show.

But it marked a different look for her as she usually opts for longer frocks, although she gave a glimpse of her legs the previous night in a mullet dress.

Clowning around: The girls soon accessorised their outfits with saucepans on their heads to join in with Dalek impersonator Martyn Crofts

Alesha also went all out for the last semi-final of the week.

The former Mis-Teeq singer went for a demure gold and black patterned dress which hugged her curves.

She stepped out in a pair of matching gold heels, while her hair was blow dried straight.

Nice hats! Amanda and Alesha got into the spirit of things with their new bizarre head accessories

...But Simon Cowell was less than impressed when Amanda tried to get him to join in

Oh dear! Especially when David Walliams started banging his head with the other saucepan

But while they looked pretty as a picture when they walked on to the BGT set, it wasn't long before the girls added some bizarre accessories to their get-ups.

They both got over excited when Dalek impersonator Martyn Crofts turned up to carry out his second audition.

He wore an upside down saucepan on his head like in his first audition, and the girls were obviously in a jovial mood as they put on their own pans at the end of his act.

Legs on show: Amanda made an impact as she showed off her toned legs in a mini dress and strappy heels

Larking around: Amanda and Alesha were happy to play the clowns as David and Simon looked on

Alesha joked that she wanted Martyn's more glitzy pan, while both the singer and Amanda gave their critiques of his performance while keeping the pans on their heads.

Amanda encouraged all of the Doctor Who fans to vote for the bizarre act, but an unimpressed Simon slated his performance.

Inspiration: They copied Dalek impersonator Martyn Crofts, who used the head accessory as part of his act

But he soon got his comeuppance when Amanda placed her saucepan on his head.

And although he grimaced, matters were made worse for him when David Walliams got out of his judge's seat and started banging the other saucepan on Simon's head, much to the girls' entertainment.

The music mogul then begrudgingly thanked his fellow panelists before quickly taking his new head piece off his scalp.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2142666/Britains-Got-Talent-Amanda-Holden-goes-unusually-high-hemline-Alesha-fool-saucepans-heads.html#ixzz1uYGpIbLU