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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
World
Robert Dex

Norwegian comic triumphs in Britain’s Got Talent

Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn has been crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent 2023.

Dancer Lilliana Clifton, 13, and 14-year-old magician Cillian O’Connor placed in second and third respectively – but missed out on the title.

Venn’s high-vis inspired routine in the grand final won him the £250,000 prize, as well as a spot on the bill at the Royal Variety Performance.

The 33-year-old had the judges laughing when he forced judge Simon Cowell to wear a matching high-vis jacket as rose petals were thrown over the pair.

The judges at this year’s Britain’s Got Talent (PA Wire)

The audience were in raptures after the performance, chanting: “One more time,” in reference to his first audition on the show.

Alesha Dixon said: “You’ve captivated the nation, they love you,” while Bruno Tonioli said: “I think your physical comedy is world-class, you have created one of the most memorable characters since Mr Bean.”

Meanwhile Cowell said: “At least you didn’t make me look stupid tonight. I have never ever met an act like you in my life, I will admit it, I really really love you now.”

When host Declan Donnelly asked why so many high-vis jackets, Venn said: “I wear so many high-vis because it’s really cold in Norway.”

The show also saw a surprise appearance by Susan Boyle singing her 2009 audition song I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables with the cast of the West End production.

The 62-year-old also joined the cast in performing a rendition of Do You Hear The People Sing?

After the performance, she said: “It feels great (to be here). It’s extra special for me, last April I suffered a minor stroke and I fought to be back on stage and I have done it.”

Judge Simon Cowell said: “Susan, we owe you so much, I knew you weren’t well but if anyone was going to come back, you were going to come back, it wouldn’t be the same without you.”

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