Essex BGT star tells all about off-camera chat with Ant and Dec

A Britain's Got Talent star from Essex has revealed all about an off-camera conversation she had with show's hosts Ant and Dec. Gemma Francis, from Maldon, founded the choir group The Big Sing which wowed judges and audience members with a brilliant flash mob including as many as 350 singers. Ms Francis, who started the group more than a decade ago alongside her musical husband Howard, said all 350 of those who took part had to "keep it a secret" as filming took place back in January ahead of their audition performance being broadcast on Saturday (April 15).

Speaking to EssexLive about the whole experience, the musical director said the whole group was "really excited" that they could now discuss their big moment on stage - and Ms Francis also mentioned an off-camera conversation with hosts Ant and Dec as well as a chance backstage encounter with the judges too. She said: "Ant and Dec are just as you see them on TV. They are exactly the same.

They come up to you to chat to you, make you feel at ease. "They were chatting to us before we went on stage and could tell we were a bit nervous but they would chat and joke around with us to put us at ease. They were so lovely."

Turning to the judges, Ms Francis added: "The judges are really supportive too.

We saw some of them backstage as they went back to the dressing rooms and they came up to us to congratulate us and say it was really good so that was really encouraging." The group has members of all ages with the youngest being Ms Francis' three-year-old daughter Eden and the oldest in their 80s. Their stunning performance of Emile Sande's hit song Brighter Days drew plenty of praise from Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and new judge Bruno Tonioli.

Alesha said she felt "just so joyful" throughout the performance whilst Bruno described it as "the greatest surprise I have ever had".

The group received a 'yes' from each of the judges and made it into the next round.

References

1. ^ Walthamstow Costa Coffee shut down due to 'severe and active' mouse infestation (www.essexlive.news)