Spelbound thrill Belfast show
UTV caught up with Spelbound, the winners of Britain's Got Talent, hours before they took to the Odyssey stage as part of the show's UK-wide Tour.
Tuesday, 22 June 2010
With a routine that included everything from human skipping ropes to awe-inspiring leaps over the judges' table, Spelbound wowed more than 19 million viewers with their breathtaking and imaginative performances.
They were crowned worthy winners of the 2010 Britain's Got Talent contest earlier this month, taking the highest number of public votes and being praised by judge Simon Cowell as the "most astonishing" thing he had seen on live television.
Before Tuesday's show, the gymnast group came to Rathgael Gymnastics and Trampolining Club in Bangor to train and meet the youngsters.
Bangor gymnasts were head over heels with excitement when they got the chance to chat to the champions in the flesh.
The majority of the 'Spelbound' gymnasts will compete for Great Britain at the forthcoming Acrobatic World Championships.
"This is our first day over in Ireland and we're really excited about that because we got really good support from here, and as you say the championships too, so keeping busy training but keeping our feet on the ground and focused at the same time," Spelbound Coach Neil Griffiths told UTV.
"To win the competition was something we'd never thought of, we'd dreamed of it, but we'd never thought it would happen to us, we're so pleased", Spelbound Gymnast, Alex Uttley, said.
"It's not like the normal acrobatics that we do", Edward, who jumped over judge Amanda Holden during the final, told UTV.
"It's more like a spectator's part being thrown over the judges and we think that's what maybe tipped it to make us win."
Industry insiders now say Spelbound could financially leap frog last year's winners Diversity as they are tipped to rake in up to £2,000 a minute every time they perform.
All nine of their fellow Britain's Got Talent finalists were also present on Tuesday night.
The acts joining them on the tour include runner-up dance duo Twist & Pulse, impressionist Paul Burling, Tina and her performing dog Chandi and drummer Kieran Gaffney.
Actor and comedian Paddy McGuinness hosted the Belfast event, with live show footage displayed on screens.
© UTV News