Much-loved Chelsea pensioner was crowned the winner of Britain's Got Talent this evening (Sun, June 2) after winning the nature's hearts with his tear-jerking performance.
He will now be able to live his dream of performing in front of the Royal Family after serving in the military for 25 years.
He managed to beat the other 10 acts to win £250,000 and bag a spot on the Royal Variety Performance, reports The Mirror.
Following his performance, Simon Cowell said: "It's not just about the talent, it's about the people... you have my utmost respect, I salute you."
Asked what it would be like to win the competition, he said: "I served my Queen for 25 years and to think I'd sing to her would be amazing... I could die happy."
Tonight marked the 10th anniversary of BGT legends Diversity's win as both they and Susan Boyle returned to the stage.
Susan, 58, sang alongside West End star Michael Ball in a show-stopping performance.
Libby and Charlie, X, Jonathan Goodwin, Flakefleet Primary School choir, Dave & Finn, Siobhan Phillips, 4MG, Kojo Anim, Ben Hart and Mark McMullan all competed tonight in a bid to win the show.
His son Peter told the Mirror: "Dad joined the Army so young and is one of the few boy soldiers left alive from that period. Performing for royalty would mean so much to him. He says how it would be just wonderful singing for them.
"The Army was very good to my dad and he loves the Army. He had a difficult East End background – money was tight, it was wartime and he didn’t have the best education. The Army was mother, father and sister to him."
