Clarkson Cries as Hawkstone Choir Wins BGT

Jeremy Clarkson’s Farmers Choir Crowned Champions of Britain’s Got Talent 2026

After a season filled with dramatic golden buzzer moments, death-defying stunts, and the signature wit of hosts Ant and Dec, the 2026 season of Britain’s Got Talent has a new champion. The grand finale saw ten finalists battle it out for the coveted £250,000 prize and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance. For this final showdown, judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon, and KSI stepped back, allowing the public vote to decide the ultimate winner.

In a surprising and emotional victory, Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone Farmers Choir was declared the winner, with the “Clarkson’s Farm” star visibly moved by the result. The choir, which Clarkson initially formed for a beer advertisement, has evolved into a powerful force, using their platform to raise awareness for mental health issues within the farming community. Describing the experience as “amazing,” the choir’s journey culminated in this significant win.

One of the choir’s members, Katryna Shell, shared her elation, dedicating the win to farmers everywhere. “This is for all the farmers out there, for anybody that’s struggling – it’s not a taboo subject; if you’re not OK, speak up. This is for the farmers,” she stated, highlighting the important message behind their performance. The Hawkstone Farmers Choir made history as the first choir to win Britain’s Got Talent, overcoming a diverse field of finalists that included a dog act, a fire-juggler, and even innovative drone performers.

The other finalists who vied for the top spot included Matty Juniosa, Sadeck Berrabah and LMA, Fabian Fox, Liwei Yang, Ted Hill, Sonny Green, and Rafferty Coope. The competition was fierce, with Anastasiia and Salsa securing third place and Celestial taking the runner-up position.

A Divisive Final for Some Viewers

Despite the triumphant win for the farmers, the grand finale wasn’t without its critics. A segment of viewers took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to voice their disappointment, with many labelling it the “worst final” in the show’s 19-year history.

• One user, @RhysxRose, expressed frustration midway through the show, tweeting: “Can we just finish this already….may be the worst final ever.”
• @superTV247 echoed this sentiment, stating: “To nobody’s surprise, this is the worst final this show has ever had.”
• @Scotthopper1 described the final as “thoroughly underwhelming,” while @mr_chambers_ suggested the program “has run its course.”
• @siamese1994 lamented the “poor” quality of the performances, and @RyanJL reminisced about when BGT live shows were considered “event TV,” recalling viewership figures that once soared over 10 million, a stark contrast to the 3 million recorded for this season’s finale.

The 2026 winner follows in the footsteps of 2025 champion Harry Moulding, a 25-year-old magician who even made a surprise appearance during magician Fabian Fox’s act.

Highlights and Controversies of the Season

The grand finale also featured a spectacular opening performance by the Sinatra Musical. Adding to the nostalgia, judge Alesha Dixon reunited with her Mis-Teeq bandmates, Sabrina Washington and Su-Elise Nash, for their first performance together in over two decades.

This season marked a significant moment for YouTuber-turned-boxer KSI, as it was his first as a full-time judge. However, his tenure wasn’t without its challenges, as resurfaced clips of him making controversial jokes about violence and rape earlier in the month drew criticism. While KSI did not publicly address the 2012 footage, Lucy Duckworth of The Survivors Trust commented that such remarks could not be justified, emphasizing the impact of jokes on victims’ lived experiences.

The show also saw a rule twist orchestrated by Ant and Dec. During musician MC Tazo’s audition, the hosts intervened when it appeared he would be eliminated, persuading the judges to allow their “yes” votes to count and salvage his place. This decision irked some viewers, who accused the program of “overruling” its format to advance a contestant.

Further controversy arose earlier in the series with acts deemed “horrifying” and difficult to watch. Leroy Patterson, who travelled from the United States, subjected viewers and judges to acts involving mousetraps, carpet tacks, and a tunnel of wheat trimmers. This particular act was widely criticised, with some viewers threatening to lodge complaints with broadcasting regulator Ofcom.

However, the season wasn’t solely defined by controversy. There were plenty of lighthearted moments, including a memorable semi-final hosted by Ant and Dec following the dramatic conclusion of “I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!”, which had seen contestants Adam Thomas, David Haye, and Jimmy Bullard involved in altercations. Ant had humorously cautioned the judges to be on their “best behaviour” for the live shows, acknowledging the potential for panel drama.

Looking Ahead to the 20th Anniversary

Britain’s Got Talent, which first aired in 2007 with opera singer Paul Potts as its inaugural winner, has just concluded its 2026 series. The focus now shifts to the upcoming 20th anniversary of the show, which will be celebrated in 2027.

Viewers can catch up on the 2026 season of Britain’s Got Talent on ITVX.