A remarkable journey reached its unforgettable finale as Harry Moulding was officially crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent Series 18, earning the £250,000 grand prize and a coveted place at the Royal Variety Show.
The Blackpool-based illusionist was overcome with emotion when hosts Anthony McPartlin and Declan Donnelly announced his victory during the live final. Falling to his knees, Moulding struggled to take in the life-changing moment before thanking everyone who had supported him throughout the competition.
“I can’t believe what is going on. Thank you, thank you everyone so so much. I genuinely feel like everyone has been behind me. This has been the most incredible journey,” he told Ant and Dec after his win.
Earlier in the evening, Moulding delivered one of the competition’s most memorable performances. The magician amazed both the judges and the audience by correctly identifying the playing cards selected by the judges—all while skydiving from an airplane, taking his signature illusions to an entirely new level.
His road to the championship had already captured viewers’ attention during the semi-finals, where guest judge KSI awarded him the Golden Buzzer, sending him straight to the final. The emotional episode became even more memorable when Moulding proposed to his girlfriend on stage.
Defeating nine fellow finalists, Moulding secured the Series 18 title. Dance troupe The Blackouts finished as runners-up, while nine-year-old gymnast Binita Chetry claimed third place.
Broadcast live on Saturday, 31 May, the final featured one of the competition’s most varied line-ups in recent years. Performers included Scottish singer-songwriter Vinnie McKee, Swiss dance group The Blackouts, 11-year-old guitarist Olly Pearson, and supermarket worker Stacey Leadbetter, whose vocal talent earned her a place in the final after receiving KSI’s Golden Buzzer.
The show also featured drag opera performer Jasmine Rice, alternative dance act Ping Pong Pang, stand-up comedian Joseph Charm, and Hear Our Voice, a choir made up of people affected by the Post Office scandal portrayed in ITV’s Mr Bates vs The Post Office.
Following the choir’s performance, judge Simon Cowell remarked, “If you won, it would be an F You to a certain group of people who deserve it.”
The live broadcast from London’s Hammersmith Apollo, following five semi-final shows, included additional performances from Stacey Leadbetter and Ping Pong Pang. The final wildcard spot went to singing duo Han & Fran, who entertained the audience with an ABBA medley.
The evening also featured a few unexpected moments. Hosts Ant and Dec briefly paused the programme before Olly Pearson’s performance because the stage was not yet ready.
“It was going so well but we’re going to have to have a quick chat with you judges because we’re not quite ready on stage yet for Olly,” McPartlin explained during the live broadcast.
Later, Declan Donnelly apologised to viewers after judge Bruno Tonioli accidentally used profanity while reacting to Joseph Charm’s comedy routine.
With an unforgettable final performance, emotional celebrations, and a victory that secured his place in Britain’s Got Talent history, Harry Moulding closed out Series 18 in spectacular fashion.
Source: Various Sources.
