Worksop cheers out talent show that raised £200,000 for charity over 10 years

Grace Millar emerged as the outright winner singing ‘My Way’, with Rebecca’s Dance Studios, a dance troupe who performed Dolly Parton’s ‘9 to 5’ in tribute to the late singer, and comedian James Smith joining her as the winning acts in a showcase of talent.

The glittering event, which took place on November 6 at North Notts Arena, helped pass the £200,000 mark raised for charity, with this year’s proceeds donated to Cure Usher, who fund ground-breaking research into Usher Syndrome.

With a 700-strong audience, four famous faces formed the show’s celebrity judging panel, including ‘Coronation Street’ actor, Kyran Bowes, professional footballer, Ella Rutherford, ‘Love Island’ star, Tommy Murphy and ‘This Morning’ presenter, Jordon Cox.

Following a public vote by over 3,300 contributors, the audience chose their top three acts from a super-talented line-up of performers.

The evening also saw surprise celebrity video messages from Emmy-award winning TV presenter and pop star, Coleen Nolan, and one of the most Googled celebrities in the UK, Tommy Fury.

A letter from the Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was read out at the event, which said: “I was interested to learn how Worksop’s Got Talent has grown over the past decade into a much-loved community event, raising more than £185,000 for charity in support of people living with inherited sight loss.

‘I send my very best wishes to you, all the performers and volunteers, and everyone attending what I am sure will be a memorable final event.

‘Thank you for all you have done over the years to support your community and raise funds and awareness for people living with inherited sight loss.’

Behind every show over the past decade has been organiser James Clarke, whose personal experience of inherited sight loss has helped shape the event’s charitable mission.

Following his diagnosis of Retinitis Pigmentosa and Usher Syndrome in 2015, James channelled his determination into raising awareness and funds for sight loss charities, helping Worksop’s Got Talent raise more than £200,000.

He now heads a new talent agency, The Next Chapter Management, and also plans more exciting events for the local community.

James said: “A huge congratulations to our well-deserved tenth champion, Grace Millar, and to all of our finalists for putting on such a fantastic show for our town.

"I’d like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has supported the event over the last decade, as without you, we wouldn’t have achieved everything that we have.

"I hope that we’ve shown what can happen when a town comes together to support something positive.”