'Permanent smile' for BGT's Ryan (From Warrington Guardian)

'Permanent smile' for BGT's Ryan

4:15pm Friday 11th May 2012 in Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Britain's Got Talent star Ryan O'Shaughnessy has admitted he has not stopped smiling since getting through to the final.

The Irish singer-songwriter won through in Thursday night's heat and promised to trust in his own talent and perform another one of his own songs.

One person who will not be there to support him is the girl who inspired the moving ballad, No Name, which wowed the judges in his audition.

Ryan said the pair had spoken on the phone and were "good mates" but she will miss the final because of exams.

But he said: "I think for the final I'll be more relaxed because I'm not really expecting anything. It feels amazing, it's a bit mind-blowing. I've had a permanent smile on my face since my name was called as the winner of the semi-final".

Singing duo Jonathan and Charlotte, who are the bookies' favourites, said they never expected to get this far. Jonathan said: "We just went to have fun and all of this complete madness came out of it."

Second favourites are dancing dog Pudsey and partner Ashleigh who said her pet will not suffer from stage fright on the big night.

Also in the final are synchronised swimmers Aquabatique, Welsh choir Only Boys Aloud and boy band Loveable Rogues. They will compete against singer Sam Kelly, Welsh dance group Nu Sxool, ballroom dancers Kai and Natalia, and 11-year-old singer Molly Rainford.

The line-up will be completed on Saturday when the judging panel reveal which losing act has been given a wild card place.

The winner will perform at the Royal Variety Performance and receive a cheque for £500,000.