HE was consoled by Ant McPartlin as the final result of Britain's Got Talent result was announced - but talented Jamie Leahey was soon smiling again as he told of his pride at finishing second.
The 13-year-old did St Helens proud as he finished runner up in Britain’s Got Talent after a wonderful performance on the show.
READ - Recap: How Britain's Got Talent final unfolded
The Rainford schoolboy, whose family owns the Pear Tree cafe on Corporation Street, St Helens, was in the final three with comedian Axel Blake and singer Tom Ball.
Jamie then went down to the final two, but just missed out on the big prize and a place in the Royal Variety Show as Axel was crowned the winner.
We've had the BEST time with @jamieleahey01 and Chuck! Thank you for entertaining us all! 🐔 🎉 #BGT pic.twitter.com/gn0kO7nWPc
— BGT (@BGT) June 5, 2022
A big hug from Ant
Understandably ventriloquist Jamie showed some emotion as the announcement was made and was given a big hug by Ant before heading to his proud family.
Jamie also thanked all his supporters and paid a special tribute to mentor Lewis Devine.
In a social media post, he also explained that he couldn't believe how well he and puppet Chuck had done: "We're amazed and never thought we'd come second.
"I'm so proud of Chuck."
The Star’s social media pages have been flooded by readers sending messages of praise.
What you have been saying
Jeanette Watkinson wrote: "So Talented... Absolutely brilliant. Your future is brill. Was so gutted for him... really thought he was the winner. Definitely a winner in our eyes and he put our town on the map again. Massive Well Done Jamie And Chuck... Ur Amazing."
Sue Brotherstone wrote: "He was definitely the best act of the night. He is a true professional and talented for his age.
"He was still smiling when the results were given a true young gentleman.
"You did yourself, your family, your school and your town proud. The Theatre Royal should book you. Can see you and Chuck in one of the pantomimes perhaps.
"Such good natural talent should be nurtured. Congratulations."
Hilary Bradshaw added: "He was brilliant, so funny and genuinely one of the best ventriloquists I have ever seen, he’s only 13 and was so magnanimous in defeat but I saw him breakdown a little when he was hugged by Dec, but he immediately regained his composure and congratulated the winner Axel Blake, who was excellent.
"Personally, and without bias, I thought Jamie should have won, but he didn’t and that’s that.
"I really hope this very talented young man can find a way to a successful career in show business, he’s very likeable and amazing talented and such a credit to his parents."
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