Francine Lewis: I may faint if I win Britain’s Got talent

Impressionist Francine Lewis has told the Jewish News of her excitement at winning a place in the final of Britain’s Got Talent as she offered a glimpse at what millions of TV viewers might expect from her finale act.

The talented entertainer left the hit ITV’s shows judges rolling in the aisles during last week’s semi-final with her new impersonations of Dot Cotton and Sharon Osborne, as well as returning favourites Amy Childs and Cheryl Cole to the stage.

After winning the public vote, the 37-year-old from Enfield will now battle it out with nine other acts – including favourites Attractions, a shadow dancing troupe – in next Saturday night’s final for the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

Speaking to the Jewish News, Lewis said: “I’m really, really excited to be in the final. To think I’m in the top 10 of Britain’s most talented people is amazing.”

The bubbly mum-of-two also admitted she thought she might not make it past the semis and had not yet prepared anything for the ITV talent show finale.

When asked if perhaps Stacey Solomon was a possibility on the night, Lewis responded with an uncanny impression of The X Factor performer: “Oh my God, just for my Jewish fans I’m gonna bring her back. I’m gonna be in the final, I’m so excited!”

Bolstered by the support of her close family, who were watching from the audience on Friday’s show, the comedienne also revealed the response from members of the Jewish community had been “amazing”.

“They’ve been absolutely fabulous,” she said, before quipping: “I even got recognised in my local kosher butcher’s – and got something for free!”

Looking ahead to the final, which coincides with her son Jake’s seventh birthday, Lewis said she “might faint or pass out” if she is named the winner.

But equally, Lewis is more than happy to have just made it into the final.

“I always said to get to the final means I’m a winner in my mind. I don’t know if my sort of  act could win television shows, but if it’s opened doors for me that’s all that matters. I would love to be back in the business, have a career again and show it’s never too late.”

While Lewis celebrated her win, it was not all good news for other Jewish performers at the weekend. Teacher Danny Davies, who composed Chasing The Dream, the first ever musical theatre act to reach the Britain’s Got Talent semi-finals, failed to impress the public. The cast of 16 included former King Solomon pupil Natalie Green.

There was also disappointment for Moni Tivony – dubbed the ‘Jewmaican’ – after he crashed out of BBC One’s The Voice.