Steve Royle's incredible performance earns him third place in Britain's Got Talent final

Steve, a Lancashire Post columnist, was unable to build on his dazzling show on emerging the clear winner in last month's first semi-final.

Singer Jon Courtenay won tonight's final.

A win in the live final would have earned him the dream prize of an appearance on the Royal Variety Performance but he lost out despite a brave show, which featured his family in support.

“My kids are watching and all I want to do is provide (for them). I have managed to do that in a very tricky career in nearly 30 years and the last few months has been bloomin’ hard.”

Another judge, Alesha Dixon said: “You are superhuman. You are perfect for this show.”

In the final, he was up against dance duo Aaron and Jasmine and magician Magical Bones as well as Courtenay along with five acts who received the public's vote over recent weeks, including second placed Sign With Us.