Britain’s Got Talent Final 2022: Comedian Axel Blake is crowned the winner

Axel Blake has been crowned the champion of Britain’s Got Talent 2022.

The comedian, 33, impressed judges Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and David Walliams, the live ITV audience and viewers at home with his latest bout of quips and quick wit.

The talent show winner, who was Simon’s golden buzzer act, said: ‘I am shaking. It means the world to me. There are not even words to explain – I can’t believe it!’

First up on Sunday’s final line-up was ventriloquist Jamie Leahey and Chuck, who, accompanied by his confidante, chicken Chuck. impressed the judges with his latest, standing-ovation worthy performance.

The teen melted Ant’s heart and reduced Amanda to tears.

While David chimed: ‘It was faultless in every way. I would say to every contestant: ‘Go home now, you’ve not got a chance!’

The judges’ wildcard Amber and the Dancing Collies was a hit with Simon’s eight-year-old son Eric.

Following their Grease-themed performance, entertainment mogul Simon recalled: ‘I got an earful from my son saying, ‘how come the dogs didn’t make it through!’ You actually could win.’

Alesha compared Amber and her collie Nymeria to 2012’s winners: ‘You are the new Ashley and Pudsey!’ she said.

Third to take the stage was 5 Star Boys, who have been telling their story through dance.

After their routine to a rendition of David Bowie’s Heroes, Simon assured the emotional boys: ‘I promise for the rest of your lives, no bullies will ever interfere with your lives. I love your reaction as much as I love your performance.’

David told them they brought something ‘very magical and emotional.’

Elsewhere, things took an emotional turn for Alesha’s golden buzzer act Flintz and T4ylor when rapper Flintz forgot some of the lyrics to his self-wrote song – to which Taylor provided the piano backing.

‘You’re gonna come off stage and you’re going to beat yourself up. I promise you this, you are going to aspire so many kids to get out there and do what they want. Please try and be proud,’ Alesha urged.

Simon echoed: ‘I thought this was your best performance so far. It reminded me of how much it means to you – and your friendship.’

Poet Aneeshwar Kunchala provided more food for thought with his poetry, which explored environmental themes

Before the seven-year-old snatched an opportunity to take a photograph with the judges, David praised: ‘It’s a really important message. Your passion shines through – you should be spreading your message across the world.’

Alesha lauded his ability to remember his poetry by heart, attributing the skill to how special he is.

Comedian Eva Abley had the judges in hysterics with her latest bout of stand-up, which saw her joke about being sacked as Boris Johnson’s hairdresser.

Amanda gushed: ‘The minute you walk on stage, you’ve got me. You’ve got an amazing aura. That smile is to die for.’

David meanwhile branded her ‘supremely funny’ and told her she deserved to win.

Secondary school teacher Tom Ball received rave reviews once again, with Amanda joking that she was ‘dead’ following his performance.

‘I am dead Mr Ball! That was an unforgettable, unbelievable performance. If you are not at the London Palladium next year, I will eat my knickers!’ she quipped.

David and Simon noted his thespian potential, telling him his voice could take him to the West End.

Ben Nickless, an impressionist who has ‘been on the road for twenty years’, was a hit with the audience as he impersonated Ant and Dec.

Simon said: ‘Your confidence has gone up, you’ve been on the road for 20 years. I think your bookings are going to go through the roof.’

A supportive Amanda chimed: ‘I know how much this means to you. I hope people get behind you.’

Performing an original song was Amanda’s golden buzzer act Lauren Allred, who explained that the lyrics were about true love.

This went down a treat with her biggest fan Amanda, who said: ‘It was beautiful. What was wonderful for me to witness tonight is how much truth poured out of you. I could sense how much it meant to you. You nailed it.’

Simon gushed: ‘You should be with a record label, on Broadway, on the West End. I am so thrilled you are in this final.’

It was then comedian Axel Blake’s time to shine, and as his golden buzzer giver Simon went to give feedback, he was drowned out by the crowd’s cheers.

‘I feel really emotional for you right now. It’s not just how brilliant you are, it’s how much I like you and how everyone likes you. I believe we have found a star,’ the Got Talent franchise founder said.

David added: ‘That was a winning performance in every way. You are a superstar.’

Operatic busker Maxwell Thorpe was last up to perform during Sunday night’s show, and left the judges torn over who was going to snatch the win.

‘I have absolutely no idea which way it’s going to go, but that is your best performance to date,’ Amanda complimented.

‘I was hypnotised by your incredible talent; I was in actual awe,’ David said.