ITV viewers tuned in to see a jam-packed Britain’s Got Talent final last night and Colin Thackery was crowned the winner of the series.
The 89-year-old, who is also a Chelsea Pensioner, said he dreamt of performing for his Queen and that is now a reality.
Having beaten Act X’s incredible idenity reveal, the singer won the hearts of the nation.
Speaking out on his success, he said he was: “Absolutely astonished. It’s incredible, I don’t know what to say, I’m stuck for words for a change! Thank you very much, all of you, all the backing I’ve had.”
Presenter Ant McPartlin then reminding him of the prize he had won and when hearing about the £250,000 cash he exclaimed: “oooh!”
But it was the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance that he was interested in.
He replied: “That’s the job. That’s the one I wanted to be at.”
It came after three million votes were casted and those watching at home took to Twitter to congratulate the veteran.
One said: “So glad Colin won,” whilst another added: “#BGT thank you for your service Colin, I hope the royal variety is everything you’ve ever dreamed of.”
Someone else wrote: “What a terrific gesture to donate his #BGT prize money to @RHChelsea Colin Thackery makes us really proud of the @BritishArmy.”
It cames after his beautiful performance when he was joined on stage by other Royal Chelsea Pensioners and military personnel.
Following his song, the judges gave their comments and David Walliams said: “I think you are unbeatable!” whilst Alesha Dixon added: “You inspire me.”
“I know this is a huge show, I know this isn’t about the glitz and glamour for you, it’s because you served your country and I hope tonight they served you,” Amanda Holden remarked.
“Both performances have been remarkable, you have genuinely my upmost respect, I salute your sir,” Simon Cowell concluded.
For some viewers, Colin’s success came as a surprise, especially when he was in the final two with X or Marc Spellman as people later found out.
Having gone through the whole audition process being know as a masked and hooded figure X, whilst performing magic.
But tonight, during the final, he ended his act with a video which revealed his true identity.
And viewers were transported back to the 2018 series when Marc auditioned as a magician.
“It was always about hope and never giving up it. It has been an honour sharing X with you, I am X,” he exclaimed and those watching at home saw his mask come off and reveal himself as Ant and Dec’s 2018 Golden Buzzer semi-finalist, Marc.
Britain’s Got Talent 2019 is available to catch up on ITV hub.