Simon Cowell has supported Britain’s Got Talent star who paused the live final to pay tribute to Rob Burrows.
Leeds-based teaching assistant Alex Mitchell, who has autism and Tourette’s, took to the stage at the live final on Sunday (June 2) as he tried his best to win the £250,000 prize as a spot the Royal Variety Performance later this year.
Despite the comedian only learning he’d won a place in the final on Friday night (May 31), he received great feedback from judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon with Simon telling anyone who’s been sending Alex nasty messages in to “duck off”.
READ MORE: Amanda Holden sparks backlash as she slips into ‘inappropriate’ dress for BGT final
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
As well as receiving the backing of Simon, fans rushed to support Alex on social media after he admitted to hosts Ant McPartlin and Dec Donnelly that he didn’t think his performance went as well as he hoped. Taking to X, formerly known as Twitter, one fan penned: “Alex is a true survivor. He laughs at his own illness and is to be saluted. I sincerely hope he is the deserved winner tonight.”
Another added: “Proud that Alex Mitchell is flying the Autism flag so brilliantly tonight! On @britainsgot Absolutely smashed it my friend Go vote for Alex Mitchell! #BGT #autism #comedy.” A third person said: “For Alex Mitchell to do what he does going through what he goes through is unbelievable. I’d love to see him win, I don’t think he will, but I’d love it if he does. #BritainsGotTalent #BGT.”
(Image: ITV)
During his performance, Alex said: “About an hour ago before I came on stage I got the sad news and it’d be remiss of me not to mention it. I know they won’t be watching but to the family of Rob Burrow – he is a hero,” he said as he paid tribute to the Rugby League star Rob.
A statement released by the Motor Neurone Disease confirmed Rob’s death. They wrote: “It is with great sadness that the MND Association has learnt of the death of our patron Rob Burrow CBE, four and half years after his diagnosis of motor neurone disease. Our thoughts today are with Rob’s wife Lindsey, children Macy, Maya and Jackson, family and friends and the rugby community.
(Image: PA Wire)
Rob’s contribution to rugby league and awareness of MND were recognised in the 2021 New Year’s Honours List when he was made an MBE and that same year Rob accepted the role of patron of the MND Association. Rob was subsequently awarded a CBE in the 2024 New Year’s Honours list. It is testament to the strength of feeling people have for Rob that the support in his name has never wavered. The MND Association is incredibly grateful to Rob and his family for helping to raise awareness of MND, and funds for the Association, by sharing the details of their journey and by inspiring so many people.”
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
