‘This is for the farmers’: Horndean mum celebrates Britain's Got Talent victory with Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir
The winners of Britain’s Got Talent have been announced
Farmers have captured the nation’s hearts after winning Britain’s Got Talent with an emotional original song that resonated with viewers across the country.
In tonight’s (May 30) grand finale, the Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir stole the show with a heartfelt performance paying tribute to the country and world of agriculture.
The victory marks BGT history as the Hawkstone Farmers are the first choir to win the competition after going up against nine other acts including Celestial, Fabian Fox and Anastasiia and Salsa.
And one woman - Gwen Woodruffe from Horndean - who has been part of the group since the get go, was stood in the front row during the final as one of the choir’s lower altos.
The mum-of-one, who works part-time at Butser Ancient Farm and Horndean Technology College, has spent her life immersed in farming after growing up on a farm in Yorkshire, and she said being part of the choir has been “incredible”.
The choir, which is formed of farmers from across the country, was established last year for a marketing campaign, promoting Jeremy Clarkson’s lager and cider brand - and has since become a national sensation.
Clarkson attended the ITV competition final, with the likes of Kaleb Cooper, Charlie Ireland, Lisa Hogan and Gerald Cooper, all of whom appear on Clarkson’s Farm, supporting the choir from The Farmer’s Dog with a live screening.
Gwen told The News: “Wow, did we do a thing?
“Yesterday was incredible, probably the longest day of my life. I’m currently feeling elated, emotional and in a state of disbelief - We are so grateful to everyone who made the effort to vote and show us love and support along the way, in particular our families who have had to hold the fort while we have been otherwise occupied.
“It’s wonderful how the nation has got behind us and to quote Jeremy ‘perhaps people do like farmers.’
“Jeremy and Amanda have been so supportive too, both coming to the pub last night to celebrate. In fact, having the whole choir, plus family and friends - it really did feel like this is home.”
As winners of BGT, The Hawkstone Farmers’ Choir will receive £250,000 which they will donate to a number of charities including Mind. During the live show, they urged people to seek support if they are struggling with their mental health.
Following their live performance, Katryna Shell, from Northumberland, said: “This is for the farmers.”