UMVA has learned that the winners of Britain’s Got Talent have taken wildly different paths since the lights dimmed on the ITV stage.
Last year’s champion, magician Harry Moulding, dazzled audiences with a sky‑diving card trick that left judges speechless. At 24, he now tours the UK, performing for royalty—including Prince William, who called his act “truly amazing.”
Sydnie Christmas, the soaring vocalist who clinched the title in 2024 with a breathtaking “Over The Rainbow,” turned her victory into a chart‑topping debut album, My Way, which topped iTunes Pop charts in both the UK and US. Despite a £250,000 prize, she chose to return to school, reminding fans that “it’s good to have something, just in case.”
Comedic clown Viggo Venn captured 2023’s audience with high‑visibility vests and a Daft Punk dance that erupted into chaos. After a finale that saw Simon Cowell forced into a matching jacket, Viggo launched tours across Australia, the USA, and the UK, and even appeared on The Traitors Norway.
Axel Blake, the 2022 stand‑up winner, turned his humor into a thriving online brand, releasing skits that mock conspiracy theorists and “bad influence friends.” He has since appeared on several TV shows, competed on America’s Got Talent: All Stars, and co‑hosts a father‑son podcast, Like Father Like Fun.
Jon Courtenay, the first Golden Buzzer act to win, surprised viewers by revealing a secret battle with skin cancer after his victory. Following successful surgery and immunotherapy, he embarked on a nationwide tour, penned the memoir Against The Odds, and continues to blend piano, comedy, and original songs.
Colin Thackery, the Chelsea Pensioner who moved crowds with “Wind Beneath My Wings,” donated his prize money to the Royal Hospital Chelsea and his grandchildren. He later released the heartfelt album Love Changes Everything and toured the UK.
Lee “Lost Voice Guy” Ridley broke barriers in 2018 as the first comedian to win, using an iPad to deliver punchlines despite cerebral palsy. He now headlines the Edinburgh Fringe, toured the UK, and authored the witty I’m Only In It For The Parking.
Keyboard virtuoso Tokio Myers channeled a turbulent upbringing into hauntingly beautiful music, winning the 2017 series and later releasing the album Our Generation while sharing mesmerizing covers online.
Former army officer turned magician Richard Jones became the first magician to claim the crown in 2016, earning his own TV special, Operation Magic, and touring with The Sound of Magic throughout the UK.
Jules O’Dwyer and her dog Matisse shocked viewers in 2015, surviving a controversy over a second dog and continuing to perform live shows while retaining their title.
Musical theatre group Collabro captured hearts in 2014 with a Les Miserables medley, later releasing seven albums and appearing on international talent showcases.
Hungarian shadow troupe Attraction made history as the first foreign act to win in 2013, later dazzling audiences in Las Vegas and starring in high‑profile commercials.
Ashleigh and Pudsey’s 2012 canine‑human act charmed the nation, leading to a Royal Variety Performance, a starring role in a TV adaptation of Mr Stink, and a feature film voiced by David Walliams. After Pudsey’s passing, Ashleigh continues to perform with her new partner, Sully.
Singer Jai McDowell, the 2011 winner, faced a record‑label setback but persisted, supporting Gareth Gates on tour and reviving his solo career after a stint with vocal group G4.
Acrobatic ensemble Spelbound wowed the world in 2010, performing at the London 2012 Olympics closing ceremony and securing three consecutive world titles before retiring in 2016.
Dance collective Diversity, the 2009 champions, remain cultural mainstays, with members branching into judging, radio presenting, and starring roles across television.
Street‑dancer George Sampson captured the 2008 title with a flawless “Singin’ In The Rain” routine, later transitioning to acting, musical theatre, and competing in the Champions edition of the show.
Opera singer Paul Potts, the inaugural 2007 winner, turned a mobile‑phone sales job into a global singing career, releasing multiple albums, appearing on international TV competitions, and inspiring a biopic starring James Corden with a soundtrack penned by Taylor Swift.
