Carer 'grateful' after making talent show final

A carer has spoken of her delight at making the final of a national talent competition for the second time.

Keeley Bayley will be among the 12 contestants competing in the grand final of Homecare's Got Talent 2026 in Birmingham later - held to celebrate the care industry.

The 26-year-old from Stafford got through the semi-final after impressing the judges with a "stunning" contemporary dance performance to Tommee Profit's version of Cry Me A River.

"I cannot believe I'm in the final but I'm so grateful to be there," she told BBC Radio Stoke.

"I'm the only dancer this year so I'm very proud to be representing all those dancers."

Bayley, who has been a dancer for the last 10 years, said she would be "expanding on the story" of her semi-final performance and will add a couple more songs.

After making the final in 2025, she said the friends she made during the contest were the reason she decided to compete again in 2026.

"That's the power of this competition, she added. "Everybody is so supportive of one another."

Bayley, who has worked for Bluebird Care Stafford for the last two years, said she felt "incredibly blessed" to do the job.

"I think of that really quiet 18-year-old who first became a carer who had no social skills or anything," she said.

"Then I look at the person that I am, all these years down the line, and all those people I've met – the impact they've had on me, that I've had on them – I would not change my job for the world.

"There is no job that I'd rather do than the job I have now."

She described communication as being one of the most important parts of her job and said it had helped to build her character.

"Working with people helps but the people I care for are so supportive and understanding," she continued.

"They've got so many stories to tell. It just makes for such a lovely work environment."

Homecare's Got Talent was created as a celebration for the people who devote their lives to caring for others.

People enter the competition by sending over a short video showcasing their talent, which are then assessed by a panel of judges.

Founder Dan Archer said: "Carers are such humble people, they give so much of themselves to their profession.

"I think this is really a chance for them to be in the spotlight. What we're desperate to do is give them a moment in front of a sold-out audience."

The final will take place at 18:00 BST today at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham.

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