Jai Is Shock Winner Of Britain's Got Talent

Singer Jai McDowall has won ITV's Britain's Got Talent, netting £100,000 and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen.

The 24-year-old support worker, from Ayrshire, overcame his fear to beat the favourite, 12-year-old Ronan Parke, into second place.

Judge Simon Cowell said: "We said tonight there was going to be a shock result.

"He wasn't one of the favourites coming in but tonight we could feel he nailed the song.

"He came in believing that he could win and I think he's a worthy winner."

McDowall was taken aback by the result - he could barely speak when it was announced but managed to say that he felt "absolutely amazing".

He had been wracked by nerves, visibly shaking throughout his appearances.

Ronan, from Norwich, was a favourite among the judges, who praised his "perfect" performance.

But it was McDowall, who sang To Where You Are by Josh Groban, who won the public vote.

Ronan said of his time on the show: "I loved it. I'd like to say thank you to everyone who voted. Thank you so much."

Judge Amanda Holden congratulated McDowall but admitted: "I really, really wanted Ronan to win."

The schoolboy singer has been the subject of controversy over claims that he already had a management deal and had been moulded to appeal to the audience.

An anonymous internet blogger alleged Ronan has been known to Cowell's firm, Syco, for two years.

Cowell used Friday night's semi-final to strongly deny the allegation - and has called in police to investigate.

Teen boyband New Bounce, who are aged between 12 and 16, came third.