Britain’s Got Talent has been sparkling on our screens for nearly two decades, delivering unforgettable moments from opera singers who changed everything to magicians who left Simon Cowell speechless. But after the £250,000 prize and the Royal Variety Performance slot, where do these winners actually end up?
From Paul Potts’ life after the show to Harry Moulding’s recent magician crown, we’re tracking all 18 BGT winners from 2007 to 2025 – and revealing what they’re doing in 2026. Some are still touring globally, others have become TV judges, and a few have completely stepped away from the spotlight.
How Britain’s Got Talent Works: The Prize Package
Before diving into our winner tracker, it’s worth remembering what winning actually means. Every BGT champion receives:
- £250,000 cash prize
- A slot at the Royal Variety Performance – performing for the Prince of Wales and royalty
- Public vote victory – from millions of viewer votes in the finals
A new season has aired every spring since 2007, except for 2021 when the pandemic paused production. Since 2014, judges can also award a Golden Buzzer to bypass the semifinals.
Every BGT Winner: Complete List 2007-2025
Here’s the official list of all 18 winners with their series number, year, and performance type:
| Year | Series | Winner | Performance Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 1 | Paul Potts | Opera Singer |
| 2008 | 2 | George Sampson | Street Dancer |
| 2009 | 3 | Diversity | Dance Group |
| 2010 | 4 | Spelbound | Gymnastics Group |
| 2011 | 5 | Jai McDowall | Singer |
| 2012 | 6 | Ashleigh and Pudsey | Dog & Handler |
| 2013 | 7 | Attraction | Shadow Theatre |
| 2014 | 8 | Collabro | Musical Theatre Group |
| 2015 | 9 | Jules & Matisse | Acrobatic Duo |
| 2016 | 10 | Richard Jones | Magician |
| 2017 | 11 | Tokio Myers | Instrumental Musician |
| 2018 | 12 | Lost Voice Guy | Comedian |
| 2019 | 13 | Colin Thackery | Singer |
| 2020 | 14 | Jon Courtenay | Singer |
| 2022 | 15 | Axel Blake | Magician |
| 2023 | 16 | Viggo Venn | Comedy Magician |
| 2024 | 17 | Sydnie Christmas | Bowl Juggler |
| 2025 | 18 | Harry Moulding | Magician |
Notice something? Magicians dominate recent years – Richard Jones (2016), Axel Blake (2022), Viggo Venn (2023), and Harry Moulding (2025) all won with magic.
1. Paul Potts (2007): The Opera Singer Who Changed BGT Forever
Paul Potts was BGT’s first winner and arguably its most transformative. A shy 26-year-old from Port Talbot, Wales, he stumbled on stage singing “Nessun Dorma” and left Simon Cowell speechless.
Where Is Paul Potts Now in 2026?
Paul still lives in Port Talbot, his hometown, where he and his wife Julie-Ann (from Swansea) purchased a 1930s villa called Sunray for nearly £500,000 in 2008. The Daily Mail reported they upgraded to a lavish mansion with multiple bedrooms, a hot tub, extensive gardens, and a wood-panelled entrance hall – but stayed in Port Talbot.
He says, “We have some work to do to get it to its former glory, but it’s ours and will be home for us. We can truly see ourselves living the remainder of our days here”
Career highlights:
- Performs globally – frequently tours Germany and appears on German TV shows
- Concerts worldwide – has performed in Sydney, New York, the Philippines, and Barcelona
- Biopic made – the 2013 film One Chance starring James Corden as Paul
- Net worth – estimated at around $10 million
- Masked Singer appearance – appeared on the UK version
In February 2026, Paul shared heartbreaking news about losing someone close while in Denmark, receiving massive fan support.
2. George Sampson (2008): Street Dancer to TV Actor
At just 14 years old, George Sampson won Series 2 with his breakdancing “Singin’ In The Rain” routine that earned 2 million votes. He had actually failed to reach semifinals in 2007 but returned stronger.
Where Is George Sampson Now in 2026?
George transitioned from street dancer to TV actor, appearing in major UK series including:
- Emmerdale
- Mount Pleasant
- Waterloo Road
Other achievements:
- Streetdance films – starred in both Streetdance 1 & 2 (the first 3D street dance movies)
- West End actor – performed in London theatre
- Dance studio owner – built his own dance studio
- Oprah appearance – appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show
George has Scheuermann’s disease (lower spine problem), but never let it stop his dancing career.
3. Diversity (2009): The Dance Group That Became TV Stars
Diversity won Series 3 in 2009, led by Ashley Banjo. They’ve maintained a tradition of returning to BGT each year with special performances.
Where Is Diversity Now in 2026?
Still performing globally – the group has done multiple international tours and performed at major events including the Invictus Games and VE Day celebrations.
Ashley Banjo’s TV career:
- Dancing On Ice judge – now a regular judge on the show
- The Full Monty – appears in this TV show
- Diversity Juniors creator – founded a younger version of the group
In October 2025, Diversity opened their first dance studio outside their home county in Birmingham, with hundreds already signed up – 17 years after winning. They also returned to BGT 2023 for an epic performance.
4. Spelbound (2010): The Gymnastics Group
Spelbound somersaulted to victory in Series 4, leaving Simon Cowell calling them “one of the most astonishing things I’ve ever seen”.
Where Is Spelbound Now in 2026?
The group’s current activities are unclear. Their official website was last updated in early 2015, and the last original member retired after the Royal Variety Performance in November 2012.
Post-win highlights:
- Released DVD in 2010
- London Olympics 2012 – performed at the Closing Ceremony
- Michael McIntyre event – performed at a Paris event in 2015
- BBC’s Tumble – several members appeared on this BBC show
The troupe changed lineups multiple times after winning.
5. Jai McDowall (2011): The Scottish Singer
Jai McDowall won Series 5 in 2011, becoming the first Scottish winner.
Where Is Jai McDowall Now in 2026?
Jai performs in musicals and continues touring. He’s been on tour with shows scheduled in London and New York, with another tour coming out in October-November.
His post-win career includes musical theatre performances and regular touring across the UK.
6. Ashleigh and Pudsey (2012): The Dog Duo With Heart
Ashleigh Drum and her dog Pudsey won Series 6 in 2012 with their incredible dog handling routine.
Where Are Ashleigh and Pudsey Now?
Pudsey’s legacy:
- Own film – Pudsey the Dog: The Movie (voiced by David Walliams)
- Passed away in 2017 – sadly died at age 12
Ashleigh continues:
- New dog Sully – performed with Sully after Pudsey’s death
- Crufts winner 2018 – won an award at Crufts with Sully
- Still performing – continues dog handling shows
7. Attraction (2013): First Foreign Winner
Hungarian shadow theatre group Attraction became the first foreign act to win BGT in Series 7 (2013).
Where Is Attraction Now in 2026?
Still performing globally – the group continues to perform to this day.
Notable appearances:
- Swinton Insurance campaign – appeared in UK TV advertising
- International tours – perform worldwide regularly
8. Collabro (2014): First Singing Group Winner
Classical five-piece Collabro became the first singing group to win BGT in Series 8 (2014).
Where Is Collabro Now in 2026?
Still performing as a group – they’ve released three albums and continue to perform, though now as a foursome after Richard Hadfield left.
The musical theatre group maintains active touring schedules and releases new music regularly.
9. Jules & Matisse (2015): The Acrobatic Duo
Jules & Matisse won Series 9 in 2015 with their incredible acrobatic routine.
Where Are Jules & Matisse Now?
Information about their current activities is limited. They performed at the Royal Variety Performance after winning and have continued acrobatic performances, though details about recent tours or projects aren’t widely documented.
10. Richard Jones (2016): The Magician
Richard Jones won Series 10 in 2016 as a magician, starting the recent magician dominance trend.
Where Is Richard Jones Now in 2026?
Richard continues performing magic globally. He’s been touring internationally and appears at magic festivals and events worldwide.
11. Tokio Myers (2017): The Instrumental Musician
Tokio Myers won Series 11 in 2017 with his unique instrumental music blending classical and contemporary styles.
Where Is Tokio Myers Now in 2026?
Tokio has continued his music career, releasing albums and performing at major festivals. He’s also appeared on BBC music programs and continues touring.
12. Lost Voice Guy (2018): The Comedian Who Changed Perception
Lost Voice Guy (Lee Ridley) won Series 12 in 2018, becoming the first comedian to win and using a computer to speak due to his disability.
Where Is Lost Voice Guy Now in 2026?
Lee Ridley continues his comedy career and has become a prominent advocate for disability rights. He’s appeared on BBC panels, released comedy albums, and tours regularly across the UK.
13. Colin Thackery (2019): The Singer from Winterfall
Colin Thackery won Series 13 in 2019, previously known as part of the band Winterfall.
Where Is Colin Thackery Now in 2026?
Colin continues singing and touring. He has released solo music and performs at festivals and venues across the UK, maintaining his rock and pop career.
14. Jon Courtenay (2020): The Singer During Pandemic
Jon Courtenay won Series 14 in 2020, a unique season affected by pandemic restrictions.
Where Is Jon Courtenay Now in 2026?
Jon continues his singing career, performing at venues and events. He has released music and maintains an active touring schedule across the UK.
15. Axel Blake (2022): The Magician
Axel Blake won Series 15 in 2022 (no 2021 season) as a magician.
Where Is Axel Blake Now in 2026?
Axel continues performing magic internationally. He tours magic shows globally and appears at magic conventions.
16. Viggo Venn (2023): The Comedy Magician with Shortest Post-Win Resume
Viggo Venn won Series 16 in June 2023 and has the shortest post-win resume among all winners.
Where Is Viggo Venn Now in 2026?
As the most recent winner before Sydnie, Viggo has been building his comedy magic career with tours and appearances. He continues performing across the UK and Europe.
17. Sydnie Christmas (2024): The Bowl Juggler
Sydnie Christmas won Series 17 in 2024 as a bowl juggler, bringing unique circus talent to BGT.
Where Is Sydnie Christmas Now in 2026?
Sydnie continues performing her bowl juggling act. She’s been touring with circus shows and appearing at entertainment events across the UK.
18. Harry Moulding (2025): The Latest Magician Winner
Harry Moulding was crowned winner during Series 18 in 2025 as a magician, continuing the magic trend. He was shocked when he won.
Where Is Harry Moulding Now in 2026?
As the most recent winner, Harry has just begun his post-BGT journey. He’s been performing magic shows across the UK and preparing for his Royal Variety Performance slot.
Notable BGT Patterns & Trends
Magicians Dominate Recent Years
Four of the last eight winners (2016-2025) are magicians: Richard Jones, Axel Blake, Viggo Venn, and Harry Moulding.
First Foreign Winner
Attraction (2013) was the first non-UK act to win.
First Singing Group
Collabro (2014) became the first singing group winner.
First Comedian Winner
Lost Voice Guy (2018) was the first comedian to win.
Which BGT Winners Had the Biggest Success?
Based on post-win careers, these winners achieved the most significant success:
- Paul Potts – $10 million net worth, global tours, biopic
- Diversity/Ashley Banjo – TV judge, global tours, dance studios
- George Sampson – TV actor, West End, films
- Ashleigh and Pudsey – own film, Crufts win
- Attraction – ongoing international tours, TV ads
Which Winners Stepped Away From Public Life?
- Spelbound – website last updated 2015, original members retired
- Jules & Matisse – limited recent public information
FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About BGT Winners
Is Britain’s Got Talent still on air in 2026?
Yes, BGT is still on air. Series 18 aired in 2025 with Harry Moulding winning, and Series 19 is expected in 2026.
How many winners has BGT had since 2007?
BGT has had 18 winners from 2007 to 2025, with no season in 2021 due to the pandemic.
What do BGT winners get?
Winners receive £250,000 and a slot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Which BGT winner has had the most success?
Paul Potts (2007) has the highest estimated net worth at around $10 million, with global tours and a biopic made about his life. Ashley Banjo from Diversity also became a TV judge on Dancing On Ice.
Are any BGT winners still performing today?
Yes, many winners still perform: Paul Potts tours globally, Diversity performs internationally, Attraction continues shadow theatre shows, Collabro releases albums, and recent winners Harry Moulding, Sydnie Christmas, and Viggo Venn are building their careers.
Which profession has won BGT most often?
Magicians have won most often in recent years, with 4 wins: Richard Jones (2016), Axel Blake (2022), Viggo Venn (2023), and Harry Moulding (2025).
Where can I watch old BGT winner auditions?
You can watch all 18 winner auditions from 2007-2025 on ITV’s official BGT page or on YouTube with compilations like “EVERY BGT WINNER Audition From the Beginning to NOW”.
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