Magician Richard Jones has won the Britain’s got Talent Final 2016 after his performance swept the public vote.
He beat off stiff competition from swing singer Wayne Woodward and Dance Troupe Boogie Storm who finished 2nd and 3rd respectively. It is the first time a magician has won the competition.
The magician performed a very patriotic piece, telling a story about war veteran Fergus Anckhorn, which had the judges dabbing their eyes.
An absolute honour to be stood with the incredible Fergus Ankhorn live in front of the nation #BGTFinal #magic #bgt pic.twitter.com/Qa4xcJyaKx
— Richard Jones Magic (@richjonesmagic) May 28, 2016
Jones – who is a soldier in the British army – drew upon his own military background to deliver the card trick in which he described the life of Anckorn, whose love of magic helped him survive life in a prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Not content however with delivering a cracking illusion based around the life of Anckhorn– who is the oldest member of the Magic Circle –Jones ended the routine by introducing the 97-year-old onstage.
He finished ahead of Wayne Woodward, and Stormtrooper themed dance troupe Boogie Storm.
Thank you so so so much everyone who supported us and voted for us throughout the whole of @BGT 3rd place WOW 😀👏👏👏
— Boogie Storm (@boogie_storm) May 28, 2016
The show itself was a big success. It was the 10th anniversary of Britain’s Got Talent, and so, the show welcomed back previous winners and performers as part of a variety performance before announcing the winner. Amongst those back on the show were members of Diversity, Spellbound, as well as George Sampson.
The final placements can be seen below:
1st - Richard Jones
2nd - Wayne Woodward
3rd - Boogie Storm
4th - Jasmine Elcock
5th - Beau Dermott
6th - Craig Ball
7th - Trip Hazard
8th - 100 voices of Gospel
9th - Alex Magala
10th – Balance Unity
11th - Shannon and Peter
12th - Mel and Jamie
