By Kelly Eve

Last updated at 09:48, Saturday, 31 May 2008

Tonight's the night for Carlisle choirboy Andrew Johnston – and he’s got the backing of his hero Aled Jones.

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The 13-year-old Trinity pupil is preparing for the performance of a lifetime in the final of Britain’s Got Talent but one bookmaker already has him as a contender for the Christmas number one.

The TV talent show winner will take home a life-changing £100,000 prize and sing for Prince Charles at the Royal Variety Performance.

Andrew’s hero Aled Jones, now a TV and radio broadcaster, is leading the messages of support for Andrew, who won Tuesday’s live semi-final.

Aled, himself a choirboy star 25 years ago, said: “I think he’s amazing. I wish him all the very best. I think he’s a winner.”

The city’s MP Eric Martlew wished the Stanwix singer well from his offices in London. “I saw Andrew when he sang before thousands at Brunton Park,” Mr Martlew said.

“He obviously has a tremendous voice and he has done very well to get to the final. He is talented enough to go all the way.”

Carlisle mayor Jacqui Geddes said: “Best of luck Andrew. I’m sure all of Carlisle will be supporting you.”

City council leader Mike Mitchelson added: “I wish Andrew all the best for the final. He’s done his family, friends and city proud.”

Andrew has been head chorister at Carlisle Cathedral for almost a year. He joined the choir when he was seven years old.

Master of the Music Jeremy Suter said: “We are very proud of Andrew and all that he has achieved. I am totally confident that he will do his best. He is a great credit to the city of Carlisle and the choir.”

Andrew, who has been in London for the week with his mother Morag Brannock, said: “I am going to try my hardest. It will be my biggest performance yet. I will be singing a song that is special to me.

“My sisters, brother, brother-in-law, niece, uncle and cousins are all coming down from home to watch me and it will be really exciting and cool to have them there.

“I want to thank everyone for voting for me and for all the support I’ve had.

“This week has been a real experience, I’ve really loved meeting all the new people.”

Tonight Andrew, who has been training with vocal coaches throughout the week, has a battle on his hands.

Fellow classical singer 12-year-old Faryl Smith took over as the bookies favourite following her semi-final.

Bookmakers William Hill have odds of 4/6 on Faryl winning with Andrew next with odds of 7/2. Breakdancer George Sampson is third favourite to scoop the title at 9/2.

William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said: “We had Andrew as favourite until Thursday.

“It is going to be quite difficult to pick between the two of them, Andrew and Faryl. They are very alike but we would be astounded if Andrew doesn’t come out of this with a contract of some kind.

“We have him down as 33/1 for the Christmas number one spot. We’ve not done that with any of the other acts.

“He is the most likely out of all the acts to do it because of the choral act, he is very Aled Jones-esque and that really fits the Christmas market. The stiffest competition will be from the X Factor winner later in the year.”

After tonight’s final, Andrew’s whirlwind life in the showbiz fast lane will continue for another few weeks at least. He was one of the first six acts to be named in the live tour line-up which kicks off next Friday in London and takes in 13 dates across the country, including Newcastle and Manchester.

The finalists, in order of qualification, are:

1. dance duo Signature

2. Kate and Gin, the dancing dog

3. singer Andrew Johnston, 13, of Carlisle

4. child rock n roll dancers Cheeky Monkeys

5. freeform dancer George Sampson, 14

6. martial arts duo Strike

7. opera singer Faryl Smith, 12

8. singer Andrew Muir

9. classical quartet Escala (recently renamed from Scala after members found another group had that name)

10. street dancers Nemisis

• Vote for Andrew by watching Britain’s Got Talent: The Final on ITV1 tonight at 6.50pm.

First published at 09:20, Saturday, 31 May 2008
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk