Britain's Got Talent: Andrew, Monkeys make final!

27/05/2008 - 20:35

Teen soprano Andrew Johnston and the Cheeky Monkeys were selected for Saturday's final from the Britain's Got Talent semi-final on Tuesday night.

Andrew Johnston won the public vote. The judges then decided to choose the Cheeky Monkeys to join them from the two next closest in the vote, which also included Flava.

Earlier, the kiddie dance duo Cheeky Monkeys, from Lancashire, performed a high-energy dance routine. "I think you're ready for this, I'd love to see you go further," said judge Amanda Holden.

Teenager Andrew Johnston sang Eric Clapton's tearjerker Tears in Heaven in an operatic soprano. Piers Morgan said he 'not only hoped he'd win tonight, but win the final' - and so he sailed through.

The losing acts included...

Massive dance troupe the Mandy Ellen Dancers, 39-strong, who performed a routine that was part-1980s video backing dancers, part-energetic youth club disco. The judges thought it was 'terrific', 'inspirational', 'fantastic'.

Mongolian contortionist Iona recovered from a bad fall during rehearsals. Not a good start. But her act was an incredible mix of jaw-dropping, biology-defying gymnastics and physical grace. Judge Simon Cowell managed to cheapen her performance: "No one could accuse you of being shy - you literally show us everything."

Veteran musical duo Kay & Harvey gave a quite frankly ear-piercing, out-of-tune version of You Raise Me Up. The crowd booed. Searching for compliments, Amanda praised her breath control. Simon said it 'verged on torture'.

Percussion duo Bang On played drums on a plastic chair and each other's hard hats. Yes - that's how exciting they got. Male drummer Dave explained he got a buzz from doing the act. "Two buzzers actually," corrected Ant.

Street dance troupe Flava, from Cornwall (yes, work that one out...), had curious Beagle Boys eye make-up plus white ties, but were quite hard to see in the spotlights. Judge Piers called them the most naturally gifted dance act he'd seen.

Retired surgeon Sauris Nandi revealed his hobby - Bollywood-flavoured magic. "It's called illusion," he said. The real illusion was his belief that he could entertain millions. "You've got the showmanship of a peanut," said Simon dismissively but quite accurately.