BGT judge offers statement as missing boy is found

Amanda Holden has revealed she broke down when finding out a missing child had been found after the Missing People’s Choir performance.

The 46-year-old judge said she burst into tears after the news.

Talking to The Sun, the mother-of-two said: “I literally burst into tears when I found out. They had us all in floods on the night with their breathtaking performance and message.

“To think that what they’d set out to achieve by being on the show has now started to come in to ­fruition is a dream come true.

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“I’ve not stopped thinking about them since they first performed and so I’m incredibly happy for them.

“Of course though, it’s nothing compared to the happiness and relief the boy’s parents must be feeling.”

She told The Sun: “I hope more are reunited with their families and send them all the best wishes and love in the world. It just goes to show that, despite the dark times we are currently living in, there is always hope.”

During the semi-final and final, photos and names of dozens of missing people were shown above the stage.

One 13-year-old boy, who remains anonymous at the family’s request, saw his photo and is now “home safe and well”, the charity said.

Made up of relatives and friends of people who have gone missing, and backed by Kate McCann, the choir were formed by the Missing People charity.

Clare Cook, co-founder of Missing People Choir, said: “We are delighted to announce that a 13-year old missing child who we appealed for on Britain’s Got Talent during the Missing People Choir’s performance saw his appeal and called his mum.

“He is now home safe and well.”

The news comes as a significant lead was reported to the charity’s helpline in the search for Tom Moore, who has been missing for 14 years, after images of him were shown during their performances.

The group includes the sister of missing Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey Edwards, the father of chef Claudia Lawrence, and Peter Boxell and Denise Horvath-Allan, whose children have both been missing for 28 years.

The group, who lost in the ITV competition’s grand final to pianist Tokio Myers, brought the judges to tears during their audition performance of I Miss You, a song penned by Boxell which also includes lyrics written by schoolgirl Alice Gross, who was murdered in 2014 aged 14.

Since their first audition in April, the choir have raised nearly £7,000 through their fundraising campaign, which is still open for donations.

To donate to Missing People, visit their JustGiving page or text the word FIND to 70660.