Magician, soldier and Britain’s Got Talent winner Richard Jones has said his show at the Royal Variety Performance will mark a “heart-warming moment” for the armed forces.
The Lance Corporal, from Essex, blew the nation away with his magical illusions earlier this year, earning himself the opportunity to perform a special piece in front of a royal audience.
Speaking during rehearsals for the big night at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on Tuesday, he told the Press Association: “It’s a really exciting performance, telling a really poignant story which is really important to my family in particular, but it should also touch the hearts of many people watching around the country.
“It’s a big, heart-warming moment for the forces – but I don’t want to spill the beans too much.”
Richard, 26, said that it has been his childhood dream to perform at the Royal Variety, adding: “On the first clip they aired of my audition for BGT, I said it had always been a dream of mine to come here, so it has come full circle, which is really great.
“I feel very privileged and honoured to be here, performing for the Royal Family as well, and then in front of the nation.”
He added that he felt 'lucky, really pleased and very grateful' to all his friends, family and military colleagues who supported him.
He is still passionate about his main job as a military musician, a role which saw him perform in front of the Queen at her 90th birthday celebrations this year.
Commenting on the prospect of meeting the Prince of Wales, who will be watching the live show, he said: “It’s great. I’m really looking forward to meeting him and it should be a lot of fun.”
He added that he also hoped to “bump into” stars such as Robbie Williams and Gary Barlow, who will also be taking the stage.
Richard is set to perform alongside the likes of Lady Gaga, Sting and Emeli Sande at the charity event, hosted by comedian and children’s writer David Walliams.
Filmed on Tuesday, the full programme will be broadcast on ITV next week.
