Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball: ‘How I’m planning to spend the prize money’

Tom Ball delivered yet another stunning performance (Picture: Dymond/Thames/Rex/Shutterstock)

Britain’s Got Talent finalist Tom Ball stunned judges and the audience from the first few notes of his audition, before wowing them again earlier this week in the live semi-finals show with his incredible rendition of Rises Like a Phoenix.

The 23-year-old teacher scored the public’s votes as he was crowned Wednesday evening’s winner, and will now be competing in this series’ finals for the chance to perform at The Royal Variety Performance.

From his first audition, Tom captured the hearts of the nation with his positive attitude and impressive voice, as he took on Sam Smith’s Bond theme Writing’s on the Wall, and blew the roof off the London Palladium right from his first few notes.

Now, he’s in with a chance to win, and told Metro.co.uk what he would do with the £250,000 cash prize if he did.

Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Tom confessed: ‘If I am lucky enough to win, I think I’d like to set up a studio, ultimately to have a studio where people come along make music, have lessons, be a hub for music and drama.

‘That would be nice, but I don’t know really, ultimately.’

The teacher has won the hearts of the nation (Picture: Tom Dymond/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock)

Speaking about the final, Tom told us: ‘I’m feeling excited more than anything to sing again, that’s what I’m looking forward to.

‘I’m not going in with the mindset of winning it because I know that so far, and I’m sure it will be again [this week], that everyone in that final 100% deserves to be there and are fantastic, and so to just be on that stage after whoever’s just performed is a privilege in itself.’

Tom soared through the live semi-finals earlier this week, but was shocked when he was announced that night’s overall winner.

Reflecting on the moment, he told us: ‘You never know, when you’re standing on that stage and you’re singing and the judges are on their feet, you think, “Well I did well in the room,” and you kind of forget that people at home have to actively pull out their phone and do something in order for you to progress, and to know that enough people did that to allow me with a second chance, especially after [Wednesday] night’s competition was absolutely fantastic.

‘It’s a bit surreal and that hasn’t sunk in yet.’

The judges were blown away from his first audition (Picture: ITV)

After his first audition, Tom had received incredible praise from the judges, with Amanda Holden saying: ‘Who knew what a powerhouse you were? That was an exceptional audition, one of the best singers we have auditioned in the past 16 years.’

Alesha Dixon told Tom she felt ‘really moved’ by his performance, while Simon Cowell praised Tom’s personality alongside his talent.

‘There’s something very likable about you,’ the media mogul said. ‘I don’t think there’s a single person in this room who wanted you to fail.’

‘I’m so happy you came, I’m so happy,’ he added.

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Tom will join operatic busker Maxwell Thorpe and 13-year-old ventriloquist Jamie Leahey in the live final, which will air tonight at 7.30pm.

The winner of the BGT final will earn a prize of £250,000 as well as a spot at this year’s Royal Variety Performance.

The Britain’s Got Talent Final airs tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.

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