Comedian Steve Royle claims third place in Britain's Got Talent 2020 final

Having promised to give it his all for the hit ITV family entertainment show - the Lancashire funnyman gave the judges and audiences an act of four-in-one with his customary juggling, jokes, dancing and even a spot of synchronised swimming.

Judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon were left roaring in their seats at Steve’s ‘big set’ and he certainly captured the imagination of the nation, to claim third place.

The big win of the night was reserved for Ant and Dec’s golden buzzer act, musical comedian Jon Courtenay, who was voted the public’s favourite for the title of Britain’s Got Talent, with his moving ode to 2020.

It is the first time a contestant awarded a golden buzzer has won the show.

In the run up to the final Steve, who lives in Chorley, had received the backing of loyal showbiz pals including presenter and actor Paddy McGuiness, Jason Manford, Justin Moorhouse and actors Danny Miller, Tom Lister and Lucy Fallon, from Blackpool.

Steve, a father-of-two and who it was announced this weekend is to star in ‘Pantomonium!’ a Blackpool Grand fundraiser, this Christmas, said: “I can’t say anything but how amazing this experience has been.

“The support just fantastic, thank you to every single person that voted.

“It is has all been about entertaining, it has overwhelmingly been such a positive and wonderful opportunity.”

Broadcaster Steve, who has appeared in pantomime at Blackpool Grand Theatre for more than 15 years, is to take a starring role in the Martin Dodd Production, written by award-winning scriptwriter Jon Monie.

‘Pantomonium!’ is a specially written, one act show all about pantomime and will also star West End and TV actor Tom Lister.

Steve added: “It was understandable but heart-breaking getting the call saying Pantomime was postponed. I just simply couldn’t let it go.

“We kept talking and we all agreed our love for Blackpool’s Grand just made us want to find a way to help secure the theatre’s future and save panto and Christmas at the same time, so a fundraiser of a shorter, more COVID-safe version was considered and we are all working hard to make it work along with the kindness and support of others.

“I cannot wait to be back on that stage, every performance is going to be so special…oh and very, very, funny!”

Tickets for ‘Pantomonium!’ are on sale now (online only) Saturday, 10 October 2020 at 7:30pm. Phonelines (limited) will open from today, 12 October 2020 from 10am.