Comic Steve Royle leaves 'em laughing as he juggles his way into the final of Britain's Got Talent

Comic juggler Steve Royle produced the performance of his life to grab a place in the final of Britain's Got Talent.
Steve Royle in action of BGTSteve Royle in action of BGT
Steve Royle in action of BGT

The Lancashire comedian wowed all four celebrity judges to book a coveted spot in the decider which will be shown live on TV in October.

Steve, a Lancashire Post columnist, Blackpool panto regular and local radio host, emerged as the clear winner in the first semi-final of the talent show - putting himself within touching distance of a dream appearance on the Royal Variety Performance.

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"It seems crazy," said the Chorley-based comedian. "It's absolutely unbelievable."

And, after six months of sitting at home unable to work due to the Covid-19 lockdown, he told the judges: "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to perform again.

"It's the first time I have performed for people in six months and it was like a release."

Steve won the vote of all four judges - David Walliams, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and Ashley Banjo - to go through to the final.

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For the first time the Britain's Got Talent semi-finals had no studio audience, just 500 viewers on TV screens,

After his performance, David Walliams said: "I so nearly pushed the golden buzzer for you in the heats, it was one of the funniest performances I have ever seen on this show. You have funny bones and you are a very, very special comedian."

Alesha Dixon said: "You are superhuman. You are perfect for this show."

Amanda Holden told him: "I think you are absolutely what the nation needs. That was a phenomenal act, it was better than your audition.

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"I want this for you so much because I know you have been on the road and you have honed your act over years and years, so you deserve this shot."

And Ashley Banjo added: "It was an incredible act and I really, really enjoyed it."

Steve told the judges: "I can't begin to thank you for that. It's true I have been working for years and years and especially the last few months have been so hard to not have any work.

"My kids are watching and all I want to do is provide (for them). I have managed to do that in a very tricky career in nearly 30 years and that last few months has been bloomin' hard."