A YOUNG performer has spoken of his excitement about performing on Britain’s Got Talent live shows tonight (Monday, May 30).

Jamie Leahey, 13, from Rainford wowed the BGT judges and audiences with his ventriloquist performance which aired in April.

Tonight’s programme marks the start of the week's semi-finals, where 40 talented performers will be whittled down into a final of 10 contestants on Sunday, June 5.

St Helens Star:

The winner will receive £250,000 in prize money as well as the opportunity to perform in front of members of the Royal Family at the Royal Variety Performance in December.

Speaking to the Star from his London hotel room, Jamie said: "I'm excited more than nervous and I just want to go out and enjoy myself.

"I've got a brand new script for the performance and an original song written by my [Divine Theatre Company] Drama teacher, Lewis Devine."

Being a "big fan" of the show, the Rainford High student said it was been a "great opportunity" to meet the wide range of acts that have graced the Britain's Got Talent stage this year.

With Jamie's previous performance receiving a standing ovation from the crowd and judges, he is quietly confident that he can reach the final and continue making St Helens proud.

Jamie's performance will be televised on Britain's Got Talent tonight (Monday, May 30), on ITV from 8pm.