Britain's Got Talent: A Look Back at Every Winner
Since its inception in 2007, Britain's Got Talent has delivered some of the UK's most memorable television moments. The show has introduced the nation to opera singers, street dancers, magicians, comedians, and even dancing dogs. Over 18 seasons, winners have taken home a staggering £250,000 and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance. But where are they now? From pantomime to TV judgeships and their own films, the victors have enjoyed varying levels of fame and success. Ahead of the season 19 finale on Saturday night, we take a comprehensive look at what every champion is up to today.
Paul Potts (Series 1, 2007)
Former mobile salesman Paul Potts became Britain's Got Talent's very first winner in 2007, impressing judges with his powerhouse vocals. Following his win, he took the world by storm, earning a platinum album with his debut One Chance, which topped charts in 13 countries. Paul has since released six further albums and won numerous accolades. A biopic of his life, starring James Corden, was released in 2013. More recently, he reached the final 12 in 2019's America's Got Talent: The Champions, starred in a Tokyo production of Phantom of the Opera, and came third as Koala on The Masked Singer Germany. He also finished runner-up as Justice Bao on South Korea's King of Mask Singer.
George Sampson (Series 2, 2008)
George Sampson was just 14 when he won series two, thanks to his iconic performance to Mint Royale's remix of Singin' in the Rain. While dancing remains his passion, he turned to acting, appearing as Kyle Stack in Waterloo Road and Gary in Mount Pleasant. He also had roles in Emmerdale and the StreetDance films, and performed as the Prince in a Cinderella pantomime in Clacton-on-Sea. An avid gamer, George now streams online. In 2024, he shared a sweet throwback to his BGT days, posting a framed photo of his iconic outfit with the caption 'My own little piece of history.'
Diversity (Series 3, 2009)
Diversity surprised audiences by beating fan favourite Susan Boyle to win series three. They have since enjoyed huge success, fronting several arena tours and making numerous television appearances, including a controversial but award-winning return to BGT in 2021. The group is set to launch the Diversity Studio website this month, where fans can book dance classes. Choreographer Ashley Banjo has carved out a solo career as a judge on shows like Dance Dance Dance, Got to Dance, and currently Dancing on Ice. His brother Jordan is also trying his hand at boxing.
Spelbound (Series 4, 2010)
The gymnastic troupe Spelbound left judges and audiences spellbound with their incredible routines. After beating Twist and Pulse in the final, they released their own DVD and performed at the closing ceremony of the 2012 London Olympics. However, they have largely faded from the public eye since. In 2015, coach Neil Griffiths faced allegations of mistreatment, but was cleared. Group member Lauren Kemp reflected on their win in 2020, saying, 'We didn't expect it at all. People were even putting bets on us!'
Jai McDowall (Series 5, 2011)
Scottish singer Jai McDowall stunned viewers by beating favourite Ronan Parke to win series five. However, his debut album only reached number 54 in the charts, and he was dropped from Simon Cowell's record label. Simon later admitted he wished Jai hadn't won. They reunited on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, where Simon apologised for not supporting him. Jai continues to perform and has starred in the UK musical Come What May.
Ashleigh and Pudsey (Series 6, 2012)
Ashleigh and Pudsey's Mission: Impossible-inspired routine won the nation's hearts. Their success led to their own film, Pudsey the Dog: The Movie, with David Walliams voicing Pudsey. After numerous TV appearances, Ashleigh announced in July 2017 that Pudsey had died aged 11 from leukaemia. Later that year, she introduced new dog Sully, and they triumphed at Crufts 2023. Ashleigh has become an award-winning dog trainer and represented the GB Agility Team in 2023.
Attraction (Series 7, 2013)
Hungarian shadow theatre group Attraction made history as the first foreign act to win. They starred in a live TV advert and several theatre productions, including a stint in Las Vegas. In 2022, they returned to BGT with a new generation of dancers, including some of their children. Leader Szűcs Zoltán coached Attraction Juniors, but they failed to reach the semi-finals.
Collabro (Series 8, 2014)
The five-piece male singing group Collabro released three albums after winning, including their number one debut Stars. Original member Richard Hadfield quit in 2016, leaving the group as a four-piece. They competed on America's Got Talent: The Champions but didn't advance. In August 2022, they announced their disbandment after a farewell tour and final album Be Still My Soul. However, they reunited for an 11-year anniversary show in June 2025 and announced The Harmonies tour of UK cathedrals for 2026.
Jules and Matisse (Series 9, 2015)
Jules and Matisse became the second dog act to win, but their victory was controversial. Viewers complained that a second dog identical to Matisse was used in the final, leading to over 200 complaints to Ofcom. No formal action was taken, and they kept their prize money. They performed at the Royal Variety Show as Jules, Matisse and Friends. Jules has since stayed out of the spotlight, using some prize money for her wedding to Marie France. She and border collie Matisse live in Tongeren, Belgium.
Richard Jones (Series 10, 2016)
Richard Jones, the first magician to win, launched his own TV show Operation Magic and has a magic show Power of Imagination. The former army officer, still a member of the Band of the Household Cavalry, is currently touring his magic show around the UK.
Tokio Myers (Series 11, 2017)
Musician Tokio Myers released his debut album Our Generation in 2017, which was certified gold in 2021. He featured on Simon Cowell's charity single Bridge Over Troubled Water for Grenfell Tower victims and won three Classical Brit Awards, including Album of the Year. Tokio appeared on America's Got Talent: The Champions and has spoken about plans to open a music school for troubled youth.
Lost Voice Guy (Series 12, 2018)
Lee Ridley, aka Lost Voice Guy, became the first comedian to win, thanks to his hilarious one-liners. He co-wrote and starred in Radio 4 sitcom Ability, won a BBC New Comedy Award, and appeared in Lost Voice Guy's Christmas Comedy Club. He also released a book, I'm Only In It For the Parking, and continues to perform across the country.
Colin Thackery (Series 13, 2019)
Army veteran Colin Thackery moved audiences with his rendition of Wind Beneath My Wings, dedicated to his late wife Joan. He released his debut single Love Changes Everything in 2022, which reached number 13 in the charts. He returned to BGT in 2022 for a Platinum Jubilee performance with The Chelsea Pensioners Choir.
Jon Courtenay (Series 14, 2020)
Jon Courtenay's mix of music and comedy won him the title in 2020. After battling skin cancer and recovering, he continued touring with his one-man show. He also hosts a podcast, Alpha-Bet My Life, and took shows The Big C and Against the Odds to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. He frequently works with Cunard Cruises.
Axel Blake (Series 15, 2022)
Comedian Axel Blake, Simon Cowell's golden buzzer choice, won after a pandemic hiatus. Simon praised him for being the first to make a funny COVID joke. Axel has performed gigs nationwide, including at London's O2 Indigo, and toured with Axel Blake - In Style. In 2023, he hosted a podcast with his son called Like Father Like Fun.
Viggo Venn (Series 16, 2023)
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won with a combination of dancing and jokes. Despite some boos, he won the public vote. He is currently touring his solo show across the UK and Norway.
Sydnie Christmas (Series 17, 2024)
Singer Sydnie Christmas secured the top spot in 2024 and released her debut album My Way. In 2025, she revealed she is going back to school to finish her level three PT qualification, saying, 'It's good to have something, just in case.'
Harry Moulding (Series 18, 2025)
Magician Harry Moulding is the latest winner, having faced dance troupe The Blackouts in the final. His routine included a card trick where he correctly predicted judges' cards, even in a pre-recorded skydiving video. He received praise from all judges and is touring the UK, with an Instagram following of over 28,000.
The Britain's Got Talent season 19 live final airs on Saturday at 7pm on ITV.
