A BARNSLEY lad who made it to the semi finals of Britain’s Got Talent will be supporting classical music superstars Il Divo on a UK tour next month.
Felix Yates, 11, is a member of boy band Bring It North, formerly Made Up North, who are all aged just ten or 11 and have been tipped by judges Simon Cowell and company as ‘the next One Direction’.
They narrowly missed out on a place in the grand final of Britain’s Got Talent, but have been snapped up to go on the road with Il Divo following their impressive performances on the show.
“We really could not be more proud,” said dad Mike Yates, of Worsbrough Bridge.
“Felix is so excited. He’s loved every minute of doing Britain’s Got Talent, and supporting Il Divo is the silver lining to exiting before the final.
“It’s a huge achievement to go on a professional tour like this which will take them all over the country.”
Il Divo, a group brought together by Simon Cowell himself in 2003, perform all over the world. This week they've played in Lebanon and Israel and have concerts in Poland, Belgium and Holland over the next three weeks.
But from July 5 they are embarking on an 11-date UK tour, and Felix and his pals will be joining them at all 11.
Tickets start at £45 and go up to £200.
The tour starts in Norfolk, and takes in Warwickshire, Chichester, Reading, London, Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, Edinburgh Castle, Alnwick Castle, Belvoir Castle at Grantham, Scarborough’s open air theatre, and the Proms Arena at Lytham, Lancashire.
“It’s been such a great experience," said Mike. "We were there in the studio on the Friday, which was a surreal experience.
“We were two rows back from Robbie Williams.
“It was fascinating to see the bits that happen live on TV, and then the lull in between when it cuts to the adverts, and then the excitement build back up again at the end of the break.
“Felix just took it in his stride. He was high-fiving us as he walked up to the stage. He was so calm, they all were.”
Felix is a pupil at St Helen’s RC Primary, Hoyland, and returned after a two-week half term holiday this week.
“He really loves school so I think he’s looking forward to getting back and seeing everybody. He has definitely found fame since the news broke but he does just take it in his stride. He doesn’t let anything bother him.”
Musical comedian Micky P Kerr and gymnasts The Giang Brothers pipped Bring It North to take the last two final spots after last Friday’s semi-final. Comedian Lost Voice Guy went on to win the competition. His real name is Lee Ridley. He suffers cerebral palsy and uses a voice synthesiser for his act.
