Operatic singer dominates BGT auditions

An operatic singer who was left unable to speak by a debilitating brain illness some years ago stole the show as Britain's Got Talent's auditions reached their sixth week.

Aliki Chrysochou, 29, revealed on Saturday night's show that she had been left helpless after suffering from focal encephalitis - an inflammation of the brain - and had been totally dependent on her mum for everything.

However she left the judges and audience spellbound with her note perfect rendition of Evanescence's Bring Me To Life.

"When you came on I hoped your song was as beautiful as you look, and it was," David Walliams told her. It was incredible."

Simon Cowell added: "You just have a natural talent. That lyric was so poignant and there's something about your energy that is just incredible."

Also making a big impression on Saturday night's BGT were Peter Waterfield and his high diving act Le Quebrada, who showcased one of the most dangerous acts in the show's history.

As well as displaying their high diving skills in an outdoor setting, the act was given an added edge after one of them set himself ablaze ahead of his final dive.

And the judges couldn't quite believe what they had just seen.

Amanda Holden called the performance 'amazing' and 'gobsmacking', while Alesha Dixon told them she was 'surprised' and 'impressed' by their performance.

Others who fared well on Saturday night included illusionist Stevie Pink with his offbeat levitation act, and 80s-style musician Maarty Broekman, who had Amanda and Alesha tapping along to his 'keytar'-backed sone Backdoor Lover - but Simon Cowell was less impressed.