Britain's Got Talent: Faryl signs record deal

Britain's Got Talent opera singer Faryl Smith has landed a £2.3million record deal - but it's not with Simon Cowell.

The 13-year-old singer signed a contract with rival record company Universal and Jazz, the label that launched the career of her idol, mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.

Faryl, from Kettering, Northants, wowed viewers of the ITV1 show back in May with her rendition of Ave Maria and judge Cowell described her as "by far the most talented youngster I've ever heard."

Britain's Got Talent was eventually won by break-dancer George Sampson.

After signing her multi-album deal - the biggest ever for a young artist - at London's Royal Albert Hall, Faryl said: "It's all just so overwhelming.

"I'm honoured to be joining such a fantastic record company, especially since it's where Katherine started."

“Singing is my passion and to have the opportunity to make a career of it at such a young age is a dream come true."

Faryl's debut album is due for release in March and industry insiders predict she could earn £20 million by the time she is 20.

Get exclusive access to your favourite stars. Subscribe to TV Times magazine