Choir's Britain's Got Talent win 'incredible'

A member of the Britain's Got Talent-winning choir, initially put together by Jeremy Clarkson, has described the victory as "incredible".

The Hawkstone Farmers' Choir was set up by the TV presenter to support farmers with their mental health and features singers from across the UK.

Katryna Shell, who lives near Alnwick, Northumberland, said the wait to hear the winning act's name read out during Saturday's live final lasted "an absolute eternity", with subsequent media attention making it "feel like I'm living somebody else's life".

The choir will receive a £250,000 cash prize and the opportunity to perform at the annual Royal Variety Performance.

Judge Simon Cowell said he had questioned their decision to perform an original song, but told them "it paid off", calling their performance "absolutely stunning", "heartfelt" and "joyous", while fellow judge Amanda Holden was brought to tears.

Shell acknowleged it had been a "huge risk".

"It's unreal. Incredible. Thank you to every single person who voted for us. We can't tell you how much it means.

"We didn't know whether to do something people would recognise or an original, but we decided as a group we would do this one.

"It's so personal. We couldn't have been prouder to sing it.

"We've got a wider message to spread [about mental health]. Hopefully by being on Britain's Got Talent we can do that.

"[We've had] thousands of messages across all the social media platforms.

"It's humbling to hear stories about how we've already helped some people."

Clarkson had looked emotional and applauded as the choir performed during the final.

Shell described the moments after the win, which saw the Clarkson's Farm presenter go on to the stage and give her a "massive hug".

"He said 'Katryna, I'm not supposed to be on here, but I don't care'.

"He's been a huge supporter of ours from the start. I think it's turned into something much greater than even he anticipated.

"For him to join the journey with us has been a really amazing experience for all of us.

"We may or may not have gone out until the early hours with Amanda Holden and Jeremy. We partied well, I would say."

Drone display team Celestial finished second after a pre-recorded performance recreating moments from previous series of Britain's Got Talent with illuminated drones.

Commenting on the choir's plans for the future, Shell said singing at the Glastonbury Festival was a "genuine aim".

"I feel like I'm going to pinch myself and wake up any minute. Hopefully this is just the start for us. We've got a few big things planned.

"Who knows - nothing is impossible.

"We haven't had chance to get our breath. I'm going to have to see my children at some point too!"

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