Disabled comedians claimed the top two places on national television show Britain’s Got Talent.
First prize in the 12th series of the ITV contest went to Lost Voice Guy, alias 37-year-old Lee Ridley, who has cerebral palsy and uses a voice synthesiser to perform his act. He wins £250,000 and the chance to perform in the Royal Variety Performance. He is the first comedian to win the show, beating off the challenge from runner-up Robert White, who has Asperger’s Syndrome. They are not the first disabled comics to take part in the show, as teenager Jack Carroll, who also has CP, came second in the seventh series in 2013.
Lee said during an ITV interview “ I’d like to think I’ve opened people’s eyes a bit and made them realise that being disabled isn’t all bad. I hope that by seeing disabled people like myself on national television some of the stigma will be taken away from disability”
Applications for next year’s series are open now. If you’re interested in taking part look here. Meanwhile you can see Lost Voice Guy live locally when he appears at the New Barrack Tavern on Penistone Road, Sheffield on Sunday July 1st. Details are available from the Funhouse Comedy Club.
