'Good luck' message from Take That singer was lucky charm for former Burnley Youth Theatre student after his band wins final of TV reality show

A 'good luck' text from Take That's Mark Owen spurred on a talented young musician to win the live final of a TV reality show to launch the band who will go on tour with the multi-award winning girl group Little Mix.
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Patrick Ralphson (20) and his band, Since September, beat off competition from four other rival bands to win the viewers' vote in the final of the BBC One show Little Mix: The Search last night.

Patrick and his fellow bandmates will now support Little Mix on their UK tour next year.

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Patrick's delighted mum Molly said: "I don't think I have ever screamed as much as when they announced the winner.

Talented musician Patrick Ralphson and his band Since September will go on tour with multi award winning girl band Little Mix in 2021Talented musician Patrick Ralphson and his band Since September will go on tour with multi award winning girl band Little Mix in 2021
Talented musician Patrick Ralphson and his band Since September will go on tour with multi award winning girl band Little Mix in 2021

"We are over the moon for Patrick and we can't wait to see him. This is such a fantastic opportunity for him and, hopefully, the chance to play at huge arenas like the O2."

Molly thanked family, friends and the community who supported Patrick, including neighbours who came out into the street last night to toast Patrick's success with a socially distanced glass of prosecco.

Molly said: "We are so grateful for all the support and the many messages and phone calls we have received.

"This really is such fantastic news in very gloomy times."

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And Little Mix also shared their joy at Since September's success, telling them they were ready for success and would definitely 'smash it.'

The competition saw individual musicians compete for a place in the bands that were then split into different categories. Patrick's bandl, Since September, was the vocal and instrument band and they are battled it out against a girl group, boy band, a girls' dance band and an R and B group.

Thrilled when he was chosen to be part of one of the bands, Covid 19 rules meant that former Burnley Youth Theatre student Patrick and his fellow band members had to move in together in a house in London so they can be part of the same social 'bubble. '

Now living in Trawden, Patrick and his family lived in Fence for 13 years and he attended Wheatley Lane Primary School in the village.

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A ex-pupil at Ermysteds Grammar School and Sixth Form in Skipton, Patrick has been able to continue his studies in Politics and German at the University of Manchester online.

Patrick, who started playing the guitar when he was only seven, admits that being on stage playing and singing is his 'dream come true.'

Patrick has been a member of several local bands, including one which opened Bingley Live in 2018. He got his inspiration to play from his dad Dean, who plays base guitar, and they have even played a few gigs together.

The selection process for the show started back in 2019. With many set-backs due to the pandemic, it has been a long journey for the contestants.

Molly added: "They came up with the band name Since September as that is when the competition began."

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