Jarrow schoolboy’s tear-filled final Britain’s Got Talent hurrah wins over nation

A Jarrow schoolboy's Britain's Got Talent journey came to an end on Sunday night.

11-year-old Joseph Chow performed in the hit talent show's finale on Sunday night in dance group 5 Star Boys.

The young ballet dancers had already touched the nation with their moving audition and semi-final performances, telling their story of bullying and perseverance through dance.

In the final, the boys performed to David Bowie's 'Heroes' and, once again, had the judges and audience on their feet.

Speaking in a clip before hitting the stage, the St Matthew's Catholic Primary School student said: "A lot of boys do get bullied or called names for dance.

"Going live to the nation was very nerve-wracking.

"It would be amazing to win and perform in front of the Roya Family, and also win a quarter of a million pound to go to Disneyland."

It wasn't quite to be for the boys, who met at a dance convention in Birmingham, as comedian Axel Blake triumphed in the final.

Nonetheless, the 5 Star Boys received much praise from judges.

After their performance, as an emotional Joseph shed a few tears on stage, David Walliams said: "Happy tears I hope! Happy tears!

"That couldn't have gone any better, it was extraordinary.

"I loved that routine as it showed what you can all do individually and what you can do as the five of you.

"You brought something very emotional and very magical to Britain's Got Talent."

Alesha Dixon added: "I'm so happy you made the final.

“You've been so consistent. You wear your heart on your sleeve, you dance with so much passion.

"I feel everything when you're conveying your story through your movement.

"We said how much we love and adore you, I can't wait to see what you do with the rest of your lives. All of you should be super proud."

Amanda Holden was next up, and she saw poignancy in the Bowie song the group chose.

She said: "You have brought joy, you have brought tears every single time.

"Most of all, the song that played then I thought was so apt as you haven't just been heroes for one day, you've been heroes throughout this whole season of Britain's Got Talent."

Finally, Simon Cowell added: "I was thinking, the first time we met you you were all staring down at the floor and you told us your story about bullying.

"Whatever happens tonight, I promise you that for the rest of your lives, you know that no bully will interfere with your lives.

"I love your reaction as much as I love your performance.

"You're really gutsy and I admire you. I hope this show makes a difference for the rest of your lives."

Racking up 36,000 views on YouTube in the immediate 15 hours after their Britain's Got Talent final performance, the 5 Star Boys received countless messages of love from an adoring British public.

One viewer said: "I really appreciate Simon's conversation with the lads; they truly are inspirational, and they have responded to the bullies in a positive, creative way that is wonderful for us to watch as well!

"They were MY pick for the winners, though I am not disappointed that Axel won!"

Commenting on Geordie lad Joseph, one said: "Oh, my heart goes out to the little one who keeps crying in every performance. What an angel!"