SINGING Chelsea pensioner Colin Thackery was crowned winner of Britain's got Talent 2019 after a final watched by millions.
The 89-year-old was awarded £250,000 and offered a slot on the Royal Variety Show to perform for the Queen after his rendition of Love Changes Everything won the hearts of the audience at home and saw him beat Magician X and fellow trickster Ben Hart, who took second and third places.
Mr Thackery, who auditioned for the show singing Vera Lynn favourite, We'll Meet Again as a tribute to his late wife, said he was "astonished" when he was revealed as the winner.
He added: “I am stuck for words for a change. Thank you very much, all of you, all the backing I've had.”
The war veteran was the bookies’ favourite and had already said he would “die a happy man” were he to take the top spot and be able to perform for the Queen.
He said: “I served my Queen for 25 years, so if I thought I would have the chance to sing to her, I would die a happy man.
“It is very difficult for me to put into words how much it would mean. I cannot even imagine being on that stage in the presence of royalty. It would be absolutely marvellous.”
A total of 10 acts had competed for the BGT crown.
Earlier, Pc Dave Wardell and his retired police dog Finn opened the final with a magic act that earned them a standing ovation from the judges.
The duo made it through to the finale with a series of performances based on the idea that Finn can read minds.
In Sunday night's final of the ITV show, Wardell said it was time to show that Finn could also perform magic. The dog then appeared to predict a series of choices made by the judges.
Cowell said the pair were one of his favourite acts, adding: "I love you and I am absolutely in love with Finn, he is adorable."
Wardell also announced that the Queen had signed off on Finn's Law, which will give service animals greater protection from attacks, after seeing him on the show.
Finn - who is now retired - saved Wardell's life when a robbery suspect they were pursuing turned on them with a knife in 2016. He suffered serious stab wounds to the chest and head but did not let go until reinforcements arrived.
Meanwhile, magician Hart won over the panel by appearing to shrink a pack of cards over and over again.
And escapologist and daredevil Jonathan Goodwin terrified the judges with an idea he said his daughter came up with. He had to escape from a box that was completely filled with gravel.
As time ticked by and he failed to appear, health and safety workers approached the box, before hanging back as he suddenly dropped out.
The stunt terrified the audience, which included pop star Cheryl, while Magician X drew gasps from the judges and audience when he took off his mask to reveal he was actually previous contestant Marc Spelmann.
He had performed in a hood and white mask throughout the series.
But he revealed his true identity at the end of his performance.
Out of all those performing, though, Mr Thackery earned a standing ovation for his moving rendition of Love Changes Everything.
As his song came to an end, the crowd chanted his name.
"What a magic moment you have created on this show," Walliams said. "I think tonight you are unbeatable."
Holden said she knew the pensioner was not taking part because of the fame and glamour.
"I know that this is because you served your country and I hope tonight that they serve you," she said.
Magician X said it felt "amazing" to be runner-up.
He said: "To come second to someone like Colin, who has given his life for us ... I bow to him.
"Deepest respect. I absolutely love the man. He deserves to win."
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