Shaun Smith

Shaun Smith has said that his time on Britain’s Got Talent was a “dream come true”, despite losing out to Diversity in the final.

The singer told ITV that he was pleased for the dance troupe and described them as “deserved” winners of the show.

Smith said: “This show is without doubt the best thing I’ve ever done in my whole life, I feel privileged to have been a part of it. I’ve met so many great people and made lots of new friends, it’s been brilliant!

“It’s been an absolute pleasure to be a part of this, and I hope it has given me the platform I need to go out there and become a recording artist. The whole thing has been a dream come true. It’s been totally wicked!”

Smith will join the Britain’s Got Talent live tour, which starts in Birmingham on June 12.

The Essex-based dance troupe, comprising of brothers and friends, triumphed in the live final following a performance which Simon Cowell described as “sheer and utter perfection”.

Speaking after the result was announced by show hosts Ant and Dec, group member and choreographer Ashley Banjo commented: “When you guys said our name, I thought: ‘I’m going to wake up in a minute’.”

The 20-year-old added: “Can I just thank everyone that’s voted – you’ve changed our lives and I can’t actually believe it.”

Scottish singer Boyle, 48, was the competition’s runner-up – despite being favourite to win since the first episode aired. She had earlier performed a rendition of Les Miserables number ‘I Dreamed A Dream’, the song which made her a YouTube sensation following her original audition.

Paying tribute to the winners, she insisted: “The best people won. They’re very entertaining. Lads, I wish you all the best.”

Meanwhile, saxophonist Julian Smith finished in third place after impressing the public with a performance of ‘Somewhere’ from West Side Story.

He revealed: “I’m just happy that I’ve been taking part in tonight and been part of the whole thing. It’s an honour.”

Diversity will now perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show later this year. They will also receive a cash prize of £100,000.