IF you saw a young man out and about in Barry yesterday giving out leaflets, maybe grab a photo with him and give him your vote as he is through to the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent.
Former Strictly Come Dancing judge Bruno Tonioli was moved to tears by the incredible performance of dance group the Pheonix Boys at last Saturday’s BGT heats.
That performance was LED by Barry’s very own Ben Osborne.
Ben, 17, a former pupil of St Richard Gywn, who now studies fashion at Cardiff and Vale College, was out and about in Barry on Wednesday, May 22, canvassing for support for the Phoenix Boys in the semi-finals, but he’s already a winner according to mum Emma, who can’t believe what her son has achieved.
“It is just incredible,” said Ms Osborne. “We never expected in our wildest dreams the boys would get the golden buzzer.”
What’s the ‘golden buzzer’ I hear you ask? Well, Tonioli was so impressed by Phoenix Boys and Ben’s performance, he pressed a ‘golden buzzer’ during the show which sent the dance group through to the semi-finals – set to be aired sometime in the coming week.
Before his next big performance, we spoke to Ben who explained why Tonioli – who spoke to the Phoenix Group after their show stopping dance routine - had been so moved.
“The reason he pressed the buzzer was because we reminded Bruno of himself when he was younger,” said Ben.
Ben said Bruno was lovely and went on to describe what it was like performing on such a big show filmed at the London Palladium.
“It was just amazing,” said Ben. “It is such a big shock as well when it (the buzzer) goes off and you are just stood there. It was a dream and so surreal.”
Ben’s family said he was an inspiration to others.
“We are extremely proud of Ben heading up the group of 37 amazing talented and passionate boys.
“Their recent appearance on BGT isn’t just about performance; it’s about setting an example and igniting a spark of confidence in other boys to pursue their dreams, no matter the path.”
Phoenix Boys is a nationwide dance associate programme which currently runs in London, Manchester and Birmingham, and provides supplementary training to budding male dancers with no audition to be involved.
The ethos of the company is to provide a nurturing environment for dancing boys to thrive, whether it's for a hobby or a career on stage/screen. For more information on how to get involved, contact Phoenix Boys.
Remember to vote for ben and the Pheonix Boys when they next appear on BGT.
Got a story in Barry? Email harry.jamshidian@newsquest.co.uk.
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