Susan Boyle gives performance at Britain's Got Talent final two months after health scare
She didn't know if she could perform again
Last updated 5th Jun 2023
One of the nation's favourite Britain's Got Talent stars, Susan Boyle appeared on the show's final on Sunday 4th June, revealing to hosts Ant and Dec some shocking news.
Susan appeared on the show back in 2009, narrowly missing out on first place in the year that Diversity won. This year she returned to perform alongside the West End cast of Les Misérables, revealed afterwards that she had suffered from a stroke, and was unsure as to whether she'd be able to perform again.
When asked by Dec what it was like to be back on the show that made her a star, Susan replied: "It feels great. It’s really good."
Explaining how she'd had a stroke just two months earlier, Susan then said: “It’s extra special for me actually, last April there, I suffered a minor stroke and I thought it’d be crazy to be back on stage and I have done it."
She then received an applause from judge Simon Cowell, who said he'd been aware that she had been ill recently.
In last night's show, Viggo Venn was crowned this year's winner of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket routine. The Norwegian comedian was chosen ahead of 13-year-old dancer Liliana Clifton, and magician Cillian O’Conner who were in second and third place, respectively.
Speaking about Viggo's win, Alesha Dixon said: "You’ve captivated the nation, they love you."
Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli added: "I think your physical comedy is world-class, you have created one of the most memorable characters since Mr Bean."
Simon Cowell then conceded: "At least you didn’t make me look stupid tonight. I have never ever met an act like you in my life, I will admit it, I really really love you now."
After being announced as this year's winner, Dec asked Viggo how it felt now he'd: "Captured the heart of the nation", to which he replied: "Not just the heart of Britain, but the heart of Simon."
Viggo will now receive a £250,000 prize and be given the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance, which is an annual fundraising event for the Royal Variety Charity.
Take a look through all the Britain's Got Talent winners:
Paul Potts
Paul Potts won the very first show in 2007 with his hugely impressive singing abilities.
George Sampson
Break dancer George Sampson won the show in 2008 at the age of just 14-years-old.
Diversity
Dance group Diversity won the show in 2009, with Ashley Banjo going on to become a TV presenter.
Spellbound
The 2010 series also saw a dance group win in the form of Spellbound, pictured here performing with singer Katherine Jenkins that year.
Jai McDowall
Singer Jai McDowall won the show in 2011.
Ashleigh and Pudsey
Dog performing act Ashleigh and Pudsey were winners of the 2012 series. However, Pudsey sadly passed away in July 2017.
Attraction
Another dance group won over the public in 2013, as Attraction used shadows and puppets to create beautiful spectacles - pictured here with actor Terry Crews.
Collabro
Singing group Collabro wowed viewers in 2014 with their performances of musical theatre songs.
Jules and Matisse
Britain's Got Talent saw its second dog act winner in 2015 with Jules and Matisse.
Richard Jones
Magician Richard Jones won the hearts of the nation in 2016.
Tokio Myers
Pianist and music producer Tokio Myers won the show in 2017, pictured here with BGT judge Amanda Holden.
Lost Voice Guy
Lost Voice Guy, real name Lee Ridley, won in 2018.
Colin Thackery
Colin Thackery won Britain's Got Talent 2019 with a heartwarming performance of 'Love Changes Everything'.
Jon Courtenay
Comedy singer Jon Courtenay was crowned the winner of the 2020 series! Jon was a favourite from his very first audition, picking up Ant and Dec's Golden Buzzer!
Axel Blake
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act, comedian Axel Blake, was crowned the 2022 winner of Britain's Got Talent, beating the likes of ventriloquist Jamie Leahy and singer Tom Ball.
Viggo Venn
Norwegian comedian Viggo Venn won the 2023 series of Britain's Got Talent with his high vis jacket inspired routine. He said he was happy to have captured 'Simon's heart' as well as the nation's.
Sydnie Christmas
Sydnie Christmas won the 2024 series of Britain's Got Talent, the singer who dreams of performing on the West End told Ant and Dec: "I cannot believe the amount of love that I've felt since it aired. I am overwhelmed with love and it is the most amazing thing.
"And I wish for one day that every single person in this room feels the way I do one day with this love. It's amazing, thank you so much!"
Now read:
Britain's Got Talent: Everything you need to know
15 things you probably didn't know about Ant and Dec
Ant and Dec's complete career timeline: From Byker Grove to Saturday Night Takeaway