Farmers' choir wins Britain's Got Talent crown

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir was crowned the winner of this year’s Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday, May 30, with celebrity support from Jeremy Clarkson.

The choir is made up of 32 farmers and agricultural workers, including some from the south, including Ben Chick, 27, who works on his family farm in Sixpenny Handley.

They performed an original song in the live final, which earned glowing praise from the judges and ultimately secured them the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.

Judge Simon Cowell said: "I thought that was absolutely stunning, heartfelt, joyous.

"The leads were great, the choir were great.

"BGT is about celebrating talent and tonight that was absolutely on the money."

Among the choir members is 37-year-old Katryna Shell, who lives and farms in Northumberland near Alnwick.

Ms Shell said: "We are the first ever choir to have won Britain's Got Talent.

"This is for all the farmers out there, for anybody who is struggling.

"It's not a taboo subject if you are not OK, speak up."

The choir was formed as part of a project connected to Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone beer and cider brand in the Cotswolds.

Hawkstone put out a call on social media for "farmers who could sing" to take part in an advertising campaign and record jingles at Clarkson’s pub, The Farmer’s Dog, near Burford.

Hundreds of farmers responded, and from these applicants, a core group of around 32 was selected to form the choir.

Their Britain’s Got Talent journey began in March with a powerful audition performance that earned them Amanda Holden's Golden Buzzer, sending them straight through to the semi-finals.

In the live semis, they performed a version of Pompeii by Bastille, earning a standing ovation and securing the public vote to reach the final.

(Image: Ben Chick)

The final saw them sing an original song called “This Is Home.” It had been written specifically for the choir to showcase their story and rural roots. The song’s lyrics and arrangement emphasised themes of community, belonging, and the realities of farming life.

KSI praised their original song.

He said: "It’s such a risk in the final to do an original song, but guys, put that song on Spotify – you have a hit."

Alesha Dixon also shared her admiration.

She said: "I loved the song. I loved the opening harmonies.

"Ladies, you sounded fantastic."

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir’s win marks the first time a choir has taken the BGT crown.

They edged out drone display act Celestial in second place, while third place went to dog and dancer duo Anastasiia and Salsa.