Rainford High student 'so chuffed' with reaction to Britain's Got Talent performance

Jamie Leahey, from Rainford, received a standing ovation from the Britain's Got Talent crowd and judges for his ventriloquist performance.

Entertaining the crowd with jokes, quips, and a quirky cover of Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr's 'Me and My Shadow', Jamie's television performance has been widely shared and celebrated since it aired on Saturday, April 16.

In awe of Jamie's talent and confidence at the age of 13, many Star readers stated that he "did St Helens proud".

Jamie received a standing ovation for his ventriloquist performance

Jamie, who has grown up wanting to be a performer, is a part of the Knowsley-based Divine Theatre Company and also receives singing lessons in Rainford.

With a love of Coronation Street and Benidorm, he began acting at the Dream Academy of Arts in St Helens at the age of six.

Prior to his ventriloquist performance on Britain's Got Talent, the 13-year-old has performed in pantomimes at St Helens Theatre Royal and Liverpool Empire Theatre, as well as in school shows at Rainford High.

Jamie has performed at pantomimes in St Helens and Liverpool

Jamie has been performing to crowds from a young age

Speaking to the Star about his experience on Britain's Got Talent, Jamie said he is "made up" that everything went so well.

Jamie said: "I was a bit nervous before the audition because it was one of the biggest audiences I've ever performed in front of.

"But I was also excited for it because I was confident with what I had planned."

Despite only picking up ventriloquism during lockdown by watching Youtube videos, Jamie was sent through to the talent show's next round with a resounding four 'yes' votes from judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams, and Alesha Dixon.

Amanda Holden told Jamie that he "absolutely smashed" his performance and has a bright "future ahead of him".

Jamie with his proud family

Jamie said: "I'm so chuffed with the comments from the judges and it's really nice to read all the messages from people in St Helens.

"There have been quite a lot of people asking me for a picture at school now - and some people don't believe I actually go to the school."

Now working on his performance to wow the judges in the next round, Jamie added: "I just want to say a big thanks to everyone who has supported me so far, I really appreciate it."

Jamie only picked up ventriloquism during lockdown

Jamie's mum Marie, who owns the Pear Tree Cafe in St Helens town centre, added: "We are extremely proud of Jamie. 

"He works really hard, but he loves it so much."

The youngster is now preparing his next performance in Britain's Got Talent's next round