AS BIG as One Direction - that’s what this young boy band told Britain’s Got Talent judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon they were going to be.
Made Up North consists of five lads aged just ten and 11 and includes Barnsley’s own Felix Yates, 11, a pupil of St Helen’s Primary at Hoyland. His bandmates come from across the north - Darlington, Bridlington, Lancashire and Nottingham, and were brought together by a singing teacher in January who was looking for talented singers to create a young boy band.
They got a yes from all four judges when they performed Elton John song Electricity to millions on Saturday night’s edition of Britain’s Got Talent on ITV 1.
They got a standing ovation - and the telltale uplifting music - at the end of their performance, as well as fulsome praise from all the judges.
Alesha Dixon said: “You are so cute, honestly, I hope you inspire lots of other young boys to get into things they’re passionate about, it’s just gorgeous.”
Amanda Holden said: “You’re brilliant, and you’re only ten. I can’t imagine my own daughter doing that, I just think you are so brave.”
Simon Cowell added that he looked forward to seeing his own young son follow in their path. “I just know Eric and his four mates in six years’ time is going to be doing exactly that.”
Dad Mike Yates told the Chronicle he and his wife Penny couldn't be more proud.
“We’re both music teachers, but we haven’t forced any of this on him,” said Mike, of Worsbrough Bridge.
“He’s found his own way into music.
“He is always singing. You’ll always hear him before you see him.
“I’m really pleased he’s getting a break with his singing. When he was in the Full Monty it was very much a case of showcasing his acting, so it’s great he’s getting a chance to shine with his voice.”
Felix featured in the Chronicle two years ago when he landed a leading role in the professional touring theatre production of The Full Monty alongside a host of famous faces from TV.
He has honed his acting and dancing skills through performing with the Take 2 Theatre School at the Academy Theatre, Birdwell, and is also a keen musician and a student of Barnsley Music Service, playing both guitar and cornet.
He is due to move to secondary school in September and will be studying at the CAPA performing arts school in Wakefield.
Made up North will find out whether or not they’ve made it through to next week’s live semi finals on tomorrow night’s edition of Britain’s Got Talent, 8pm, on ITV.
