Britain's Got Talent becomes the X Factor as Simon Cowell is bowled over by two very young (and very talented) female singers

By Marcus Barnes
PUBLISHED: 22:46, 14 April 2012 | UPDATED: 23:06, 14 April 2012


You could be mistaken for thinking you were watching the X Factor tonight, after two singers stormed their way through the auditions on Britain's Got Talent.
Teenagers Paige Hurley, 14, and Hope Murphy, 16, both brought the house down in their respective auditions both north and south of the border.
And Simon Cowell was left with a familiar knowing smile on his face after watching both girls in action.

Exciting: Hope Murphy and Paige Hurley brought the house down on tonight's Britain's Got Talent

Firstly Hope Murphy, a 16-year-old singer from Upminster in Essex wowed with her performance.
She got off to a wobbly start after Simon stopped her a few seconds into her song and said he's heard it all before.
After requesting her her song choices he selected This Woman's Work by Maxwell for her to sing.
She powered her way through the emotional song, without a hint of nerves - Simon wearing that mischievous grin throughout her performance, which ended with a standing ovation from the audience.

Impressed: The Essex girl received a unanimous 'yes' from the judging panel

David told her: 'That was incredible. You've got a great voice.'
Amanda called her a 'Star in the making.'
While Simon said: 'You sang that very very well. I like your personality as well.'
Alesha gushed: 'I'm excited about you, that was a great audition.'

Teen sensation: 14-year-old Paige wowed the judges with her performance of Skinny Love by Birdy

In Scotland it was Paige Turley, a 14-year-old singer, who brought the house down after several bizarre acts left the judges aghast.
Oddball Neil Lawson taking the biscuit when he stepped out on stage in a leather jacket and stripped down to suspenders and knee high boots.
Paige sang Skinny Love, by Birdy, and nailed it as her parents wept backstage and Simon sported another of his wry smiles.
Obviously impressed Alesha told her: 'You are adorable, I loved your song choice, it was different and surprising. You shopuld be proud and your family should be proud.'

Overcome: Paige meets Ant and Dec backstage and can't believe the positive response she's had

David added: 'Look and sound like a pop star. Fantastic.'
Amanda agreed, saying: 'Your voice is amazing. You've got a really bright future ahead of you.'
And Simon enhused: 'I think you are absolutely fantastic. I love the fact that you didn't do an exact copy of the song. You've got a unique voice, I really, really like you.'
It was a unanimous yes from the judging panel.
Earlier in the show the Showbears were first on and put on a highly entertaining performance, that ended up with David Walliams joining them on stage.

Shocking stockings: Neil Lawson was voted off the show within seconds

The hilarious homosexual troupe were dressed in glittery sailor outfits.
Davdi was heard to comment: 'Simon, they could be the new One Direction.'
They turned in a rib-tickling rendition of It's Raining Men, with their own take on The Weather Girls song, singing 'We're sailor men', in replacement of the original chorus.
David couldn't contain his inner gay man and told them: 'I wanna join and sing that song with you...'

Hello sailor! David Walliams joins the Showbears on stage

The boys beckoned him on to the stage, but he told them: 'If you get me an outfit.'
Though he said: 'I may be too camp and send it over the edge.'
He joined them on stage and awkwardly followed the boys with a glittery hat on his head, of course getting right into the camp show.
Alesha told them: 'The country's going to fall in love with you.'
And Amanda said: 'The royal family will love you.'
But despite Simon's comment that 'It was rubbish, but sort of good', the group made it through.

Just couldn't help himself! The comedian camped it up as he usually does

The Face Team acrobatic basketball team from Hungary followed with a spectacular display of basketball skills using a trampoline to pull off a series of increasingly complex dunks.
Even Simon was seen mouthing 'Wow!' at one point.
Amanda told the team: 'I have never seen anything like it before.'
Alesha repeated Amanda's comments and added: 'I would love to see it again.'

Up in the air: The Face Team basketball acrobats impressed the panel

David commented: 'I love seeing things I wouldn't be able to do. You guys have blown us away.'
While Simon said: 'What you did in between wasn't great. You need to work on it.'
All the judges put the team through.
Next up were United We Stand a dance group from Stratford.
They say they'll put the winning money into a community centre, before launching into a very impressive routine.

Heartwarming: Paula and Gary of Strictly Wheels

Dave said: 'My heart always sinks when I see dance acts because we've seen so many great ones. After two seconds I knew it was something special.'
Alesha said: 'You were so sharp and precise. You hit it hard we could feel that energy. You. Blew. Me. Away.'
Simon told them: 'We've seen a lot of dance acts and I mention Diversity, because they're the template. This was about as close as I've seen to that. Massive massive potential, I like everything you stand for.
Finally, Strictly Wheels hit the stage.

Turning dancing on its head: Strictly Wheels rock the stage

They're a dance duo comprised Gary and Paula, who is in a wheelchair.
They dance to New York by Alicia Keys.
Their act started really slow but soon kicked in with a high energy version of the track which had the audience off their feet and clapping.
David told them: 'That was amazing. You turned what might have been a negative into a positive.'
Amanda said to Paula: 'Your control of that chair is unbelievable.'
And Simon said: 'I thought it would be uncomfortable. Suddenly Paula kicks off, you were better than Gary by the way. You're fun, I like you two.'

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Anna Friel wears racy white dress to marry Steve Coogan’s pornographer

Anna Friel's take your daughter to work day: Actress wears racy white dress to marry Steve Coogan’s pornographer

By J J Anisiobi
PUBLISHED: 23:26, 2 April 2012 | UPDATED: 06:19, 3 April 2012

Most children that get to make that special trip with their mother or father to work end up sitting at a desk.
However, when your parents are famous actors that traditional experience is very different to most children.
Anna Friel took her daughter with her for a day of filming in London, and she got to see her mother doing what she does best in the King of Soho.

Work and play: Actor Anna Friel took her daughter with her to work for an unconventional day at the office

The 35-year-old star treated her little girl to a day of fun as Gracie Friel got to meet some big names in British film.

The six-year-old seemed over the moon to be escorting Anna to work as the two walked hand in hand to the set.
It was a full day of work for the pair as filming took place at The Saville Club until around 5pm, and then moved to the St James Church in Piccadilly.

Spring in the step: Gracie's day out with her mother would not have been anything like most children's day at the office

Yummy mummy: Anna looked great in character dressed in a racy white dress and a blonde wig

Great make up: Comedian David Walliams wore a grey mustache while Anna sported a curly blonde wig

Anna, was wearing a long white dress to shoot wedding scenes in which she ties the knot to pornographer Paul Raymond, played by Steve Coogan.
She teamed the racy costume with a pair of gold platform heels, a blonde wig, and a fur jacket, which must have been quite a transformation in her child's eyes.
Although the unconventional day on set was quite long, it paid off for Gracie, because she got to see some of the actors in person, that other children could only dream of.

Little Britain: The comedian was playing the role of a priest at the wedding of Steve Coogan's Paul Raymond

Say cheese: The whole cast stand together for some wedding pictures after the ceremony

Britain's Got Talent judge David Walliams was on hand to provide some laughs and he was dressed up as the priest, leading the wedding ceremony.
The 40-year-old was sporting a mustache for his role and so too was leading man Steve Coogan.
Coogan and Friel get married in the film but later separate after it becomes evident his character, Raymond, has been having an affair behind her back.
The day trip for Gracie was made complete as her father, David Thewlis joined the two for a few hours.
Thewlis, 49, and Friel dated for around nine years before splitting in 2010. The pair remain close and still enjoy doing some things as a family.

Taking five: Anna enjoyed a cigarette as she was joined by ex partner David Thewlis

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The Voice versus Britain's Got Talent

Amanda Holden: Sir Tom could be dead in a week

BGT judge ramps up battle with rival The Voice with sick dig at music legend Jones

Rivals ... BGT's Amanda Holden, 41, had a pop at Tom Jones, 71

By LEIGH HOLMWOOD and COLIN ROBERTSON

Published: Today at 01:09

BRITAIN'S Got Talent judge Amanda Holden ramped up the battle with rival The Voice with a sick dig at veteran star Tom Jones.

 

Urging viewers to watch her tonight instead of 71-year-old Tom in his spinning judge's chair on the BBC1 show, she joked: "He might be spinning in his grave next week."
Boss Simon Cowell looked shocked by her gag at the launch of the ITV1 show's sixth series. It followed her own near-death experience when she gave birth to new daughter Hollie.
But show insiders last night insisted Amanda meant no offence to the Delilah singer, adding: "She has the utmost respect for Tom."
A fierce spat erupted between the rival show's stars before they clash in a ratings war tonight.
Amanda, 41, joins boss Cowell and fellow judges Alesha Dixon and David Walliams on the ITV1 show.
Last night Cowell — who had been criticised by Sir Tom over his right to judge singers — hit back at the Welsh crooner's ability to pick wannabe stars.

New face ... Alesha Dixon, 33, found fame with Mis-Teeq. In 2007 she won Strictly Come Dancing before becoming a judge in 2009

He said: "Most artists who try and run record labels fail. That's why they are artists. Can a singer judge another singer as well as a record executive?"
The music tycoon also blasted "petty" Beeb bosses over the scheduling clash, laying the blame firmly at their door.
He said: "They're the ones who seem to be making it into a battle. We were always going to air in March because of my timings.
"The BBC are doing this as the more they talk about us the more headlines they get. But I don't like it when the shows clashes. It is petty scheduling."
But BBC1 controller Danny Cohen played down the battle for viewers, saying: "I'm not going to put a number on what we see as success for The Voice."

Return ... Simon Cowell, 52, started with ITV1's Pop Idol, then American Idol in the US. The X Factor guru is now worth more than £200million

Yesterday Cowell said this year's BGT will be the best ever, erasing memories of last year's uninspiring run.
He said: "There's a mixture of good and what I call good old-fashioned British eccentricity.
"The best way to judge the show is not to take it too seriously, but the good ones are always going to get through and that is the important thing."
With a glint in his eye, he added: "There will be some strippers of course — one or two."

Newcomer ... David Walliams, 40, starred in Little Britain with Matt Lucas. He finished a 140-mile swim along the Thames for Sport Relief last year

And he said there will be nine acts in the semi-final instead of eight, ensuring even more talent gets through.
Simon, 52, also sang the praises of Walliams, 40 — who rose to fame alongside Matt Lucas in BBC1 comedy Little Britain. Cowell said: "I've been trying to get David to do this show for the past two years. There were these two bellringers last year and I texted him saying: 'It's you and Matt!'
"Some of his characters on Little Britain are like some of our contestants. I thought he'd really fit into that kind of British eccentric humour. He's been a revelation."

l.holmwood@the-sun.co.uk

Big Jon's a belter

UNLIKELY singing duo Jonathan and Charlotte have the judges wincing when they wander on to the BGT stage — but leave to a standing ovation.

Bulky Jonathan and his pretty auburn partner, who were introduced by their singing teacher, impressed all four judges with their performance.

Duo ... BGT act Jonathan

Simon says: "Wow, wow, wow. Charlotte you are good but Jonathan you are unbelievable."

But when he asks Jonathan, 16, if he would continue solo, the hopeful replies: "We've come on as a duo and we're gonna stay here as a duo."

BOOKIES have already predicted that BGT will win the Saturday night ratings war — with William Hill putting the ITV1 show at 2/9 on and BBC's The Voice trailing on 3/1.

A spokesman for the firm said: "The return of Simon to the BGT panel will probably be enough on its own to secure an opening week victory over the Beeb."

TV recorders will be needed by those who want to see both — the shows overlap by 20 minutes.

'I've put it all on the line for show'

Says Tom Jones

SHOWBIZ veteran Sir Tom Jones told The Sun yesterday how he was staking his reputation on the success of The Voice.

And he said he even fears taking abuse in the street if he gets it wrong.

The 71-year-old crooner explained: "You are throwing yourself out there and making decisions. People at home could be thinking, 'What the f***? Why would he do that? What's the matter — is he deaf?'

"When you are out and about on the Tube, or in a cab, the drivers are going to go, 'Hey Tom, the show is s***'. We have to make the show as good as we possibly can and whatever is thrown against you, fight back."

BBC1's The Voice, which starts at 7pm, clashes with Britain's Got Talent, beginning at 8pm on ITV, for a vital 20 minutes — but Sir Tom said: "The ratings war is out of our hands.

"As long as we get a fair crack of the whip, then it is up to the viewers. At the end of the day it is always up to the viewers."

Star ... Jessie J, 23, made it big with Do It Like A Dude after writing for stars like Miley Cyrus. She won the Critics' Choice Brit Award

He added: "With some other shows, like BGT, all kinds of talent comes on. But The Voice is purely about what people sound like — that's the unique thing."

Sir Tom — on the show with fellow mentors Will.i.am, Jessie J and Danny O'Donoghue — had warmed up for tonight's ratings fight by taking a stinging swipe at Simon Cowell.

The Welsh legend insisted ITV show guru Cowell was NOT a good judge of singers because he has NEVER had a go himself.

Sir Tom said: "I have problems when people who have never got up on a stage to sing judge those who do. Who are they to say?

"Simon Cowell is a record man, not a singer. How can someone give advice if he or she is not qualified?

"The shows with judges from other areas of show business are all very well and good.

"But The Voice is unique because the four coaches are all singers, can all make records and know what they're talking about."

The Sex Bomb and It's Not Unusual star believes he already has five potential winners lined up. But he told The Sun he hated having to dash hopefuls' dreams.

Success ... Will.i.am, 37, is best known as part of The Black Eyed Peas. He has also worked with Usher, Cheryl Cole and The Pussycat Dolls

Tom added: "That's the hardest part — sending people home. I don't like that at all. I have never had to do that before in my life.

"When I have watched other talent shows and seen people getting all emotional, I thought that it was just showbusiness.

"But when you are there, you realise how difficult it is. You have their future in your hands. It's not easy. In fact I'm going to be in trouble when I get home. There was a Welsh girl singing a Linda Perry song, very similarly to the original. I didn't pick her.

"But I did say to her she hasn't lost forever — she is young enough to come back next year."

No swear Script

MENTOR Danny O'Donoghue says he is having coaching — to stop himself swearing on The Voice live shows.

The foul-mouthed rocker said: "I tend to curse a lot so forgive me when I get to the live shows.

"I'm in training now for the next seven weeks to not curse on the live shows. I'm very passionate and I have a limited dictionary to express myself with." The Script frontman said he had been impressed by the "nerves of steel" singers on the show so far.

New script ... Danny O'Donoghue, 32, fronts The Script. The band zoomed to the No3 spot in the US charts with their album Science and Faith

He confessed he would not have had the courage to audition for a TV talent show.

Irish star Danny, 32, added: "I think in the day we are living every phone is a camera, so kids are a lot less shy."

THE Voice coaches got the shock of their life when Sam Buttery stepped on to the stage — after they mistook him for a girl.
The youngster sings Adele's Set Fire To The Train on tonight's opening auditions.
Sporting a huge quiff and a very retro style, he revealed The Script frontman Danny O'Donoghue thought it was a female singing, until he turned around. He said: "When he saw me, he was like 'oh... you're a man!"

Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon sizzle in glamorous promo shots for new BGT judging panel line-up

The judges have got talent! Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon sizzle in glamorous promo shots for new BGT judging panel line-up

By Kimberley Dadds

PUBLISHED: 00:08, 20 March 2012 | UPDATED: 07:40, 20 March 2012

They've been spotted heading in and out of auditions over the last few months judging a new season of Britain's Got Talent wannabes.

Now Simon Cowell's new panelists have unveiled how they'll look next to each other when the sixth series kicks off this weekend.

And it appears it's going to be a glamorous affair - with the women dazzling in the official promo shots, which have been released yesterday.

Going for gold: Alesha has joined Amanda on the panel for the first time after leaving Strictly Come Dancing for the ITV talent show earlier this year

Looking like a million pounds, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden stun in the selection of images.

Amanda sizzles in a floorlength asymmetrical gold gown, showing off her post pregnancy body, and revealing her longer blonde locks.

Alesha, meanwhile, has made an impact as the new female on the judging line-up in her own cream and gold stain dress.

But the former Strictly Come Dancing judge wowed with the cut of the dress, which shows off her toned legs, while she vamps it up even more with some black leather gloves.

New look panel: Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden have stolen the show as official promo pictures are revealed of the new Britain's Got Talent judging line-up

Showing off her fashionable style, Alesha's hair is scraped back into a high up-do, while she donned ankle boots for the shoot.

While Amanda showed off less skin, she still oozed sex appeal as she posed across a gold and red chair for one image.

And the men also made an effort, although making less of an impact in their dapper suits.

Simon went for a black suit with a white shirt, worn in his staple style open to reveal his neck, while David went for a similar look, but instead wore a bow tie with his ensemble.

In charge: Simon Cowell has returned to the programme after falling viewer figures last year, while he's also brought funnyman David Walliams on board

In another set of pictures, the girls stole the show again as Alesha opted for black skinny trousers and a vest with high heels and a yellow tailored jacket to brighten it up.

Amanda also stood out in a demure knee-length frock in scarlet, with her hair styled up.

In the alternative picture, Simon went for a more casual affair in jeans and a roundneck black jumper, as he smiled widely for the camera.

Walliams ensured he looked his usual dapper self by sticking to his suit, but this time opted for a tie.

The ladies: Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon have become friends since starting filming in January

The four stars have previously posed together during the auditions for the show, but this is the first official promo shot, ahead of the new season kicking off on Saturday.

Dixon and Walliams' appointment on the panel and Cowell's return came after the show's ratings suffered a drop last year.

With Cowell focusing on X Factor USA, the only original judge Holden was joined by comedian Michael McIntyre and American actor David Hasselhoff.

However, McIntyre decided to quit after one series to focus on his hugely-successful stand-up career, while the Baywatch star was reportedly fired.


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