Irish viewers will take a keen interest in tonight's Britain's Got Talent final as Irish teenager Cillian O'Connor goes for a famous win in the the ITV talent show.
Cillian has been a fan favourite since his audition was aired last month but even he couldn't have anticipated winning Friday night's live semi-final.
The 14-year-old, who has Autism, put on a dazzling magic act for the judges and live audience and left people in awe as he disappeared in an explosion of confetti towards the end of his performance.
Read More: Four dogs die after walks at popular Irish lake as vet issues stark warning
Cillian won the semi-final after receiving the most votes from the public. The judges were "spellbound" by his performance and he received a standing ovation from the live audience.
Who else is in the final?
The standard is high in this year's final with a mixture of acts from singers, dancers and comedians.
Amputee dancer Musa Motha is the bookies favourite after reducing the judges to tears with his amazing performances so far. Norwegian comedian and clown Viggo Venn is the second favourite for glory and is also a fan favourite.
Singer Malakai Bayoh is third favourite according to the bookies but Cillian is right in the mix as fourth best in the betting market.
A wildcard will also be picked from the defeated finalists from all five semi-finals. That act will be chosen by the judges.
Dancers Ghetto Kids, Lilliana Clifton and Duo Odyssey, as well as singers Olivia Lynes, Amy Lou and Travis George complete the line-up for Sunday's live final.
Who are the judges?
Long-time judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon take their place tonight alongside newbie Bruno Tonioli who replaced David Walliams at the beginning of the current series. The Italian has become a favourite with viewers.
The judges will once again critique the acts tonight but the voting will be solely down to the public as they decide the winner of Britain's Got Talent 2023.
During Friday night's semi-final, Cillian clearly impressed the judges in studio and the viewers at home.
Amanda Holden said she was "lost for words" while Simon said, "there's just something about you." The difficult-to-please judge said he still believes in magic and said "so do they" as he pointed to the audience who were still on their feet.
"You're so good at what you do," Simon added, before Bruno said "we are all spellbound."
When is it on?
The final takes place live on Sunday evening, June 4 at 7.30pm. The show will be aired on ITV and on Virgin Media One in Ireland. It is also available on the Virgin Media Player.
What is the prize?
The winner of tonight's final will receive £250,000 and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Show, the first under the monarchy of King Charles III.
Who is Cillian O'Connor, the Irish hopeful in the final?
Cillian O'Connor is a 14-year-old secondary school student from Donacarney in Co Meath. He has Autism and wowed the judges and viewers in his audition and semi-final with his magic act.
Speaking to hosts Ant and Dec afterwards, Cillian said: "I'm feeling brilliant and thanking my family over there and the entire audience."
The youngster has also not been held back by the fact Irish viewers cannot vote in the show.
He told the Sunday Mirror: “I am not concerned the Irish can’t vote.
"Even without all of them I won the public vote for the fifth round of semi finals.”
“I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the support I’ve gotten from people all over the world," he added.
“For the final it will be the best act yet. You’ll just have to wait and see!”
Cillian’s family were in the audience on Friday and couldn’t hold back the tears as he topped the vote. Proud mam Elaine told us: “We are extremely proud, still in shock. He is still the same kid, not at all fazed, which we love.”
READ NEXT:
Jonathan Dowdall expected to leave the country in weeks under witness protection
'I want this put to bed' - Una Healy discusses throuple on RTE chat show
Met Eireann pinpoint date high pressure will 'weaken its grip' on Ireland
Holly Willoughby to deliver 'honest statement' about Phillip Schofield
Irish Britain's Got Talent star shares secret to staying calm ahead of final
Get news updates direct to your inbox by signing up to our daily newsletter here
