Doncaster comedy pianist wows ITV's BGT judges

Legendary veteran entertainer Colin ‘Fingers’ Henry was given four ‘yes’ votes in Saturday’s episode of Britain’s Got Talent – meaning he now goes through to the next round, with a chance of making the final and the prize of appearing at the Royal Variety Performance.

He said: “I couldn’t believe it. It was great to be up there on that stage and even more amazing when they all gave me a yes. I am thrilled to be on the show.”

The comic star, from Barnby Dun, performed his famous routine of playing the piano while balancing on his head.

Colin, who has been in showbiz for more than 50 years, left judges Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden open-mouthed as he performed his trademark act, which he has honed in pubs and clubs and on cruise ships during his career.

It seems the public were very impressed too, as he has been named as a rank outsider to win the talent contest.

Bookmakers Boyle Sports have priced Colin at 100-1 to win the show – although that does mean he ranks at the bottom end of the list of contenders.

The musician was picked to perform in the auditions at Liverpool Empire after impressing different judges in an earlier audition at Doncaster Little Theatre, where he also performed his famed routine.

After his audition, Colin, aged 68, revealed it had always been his ambition to appear at a Royal Command Performance. After his act, he also quipped: “I’ll have to stop doing that – it hurts my fingers.”

The entertainer, who has rubbed shoulders with star names such as Bob Monkhouse, Norman Wisdom, Paul Daniels, Frankie Howerd and many more during his career, has played all over the globe during his time in the limelight.

Known locally as Colin ‘Fingers’ Henry, his name has been shortened to simply Colin Henry on the show.

It is not the first time the dad-of-four has appeared on a TV talent show.

He appeared on New Faces in 1974 and his routine earned him lucrative summer seasons across the UK with talented fellow South Yorkshire comedienne and singer Marti Caine.