Comedian Lee Ridley, best known as Lost Voice Guy, shot to fame as the 2018 winner of Britain's Got Talent and now he's performing in front of the Royals!
Comedian Lee Ridley, best known as Lost Voice Guy, shot to fame in June this year after being crowned winner of Britain’s Got Talent and winning the votes, and hearts, of the nation with his hilarious stand-up routine.
Since then his life has been a whirlwind and this week he will be one of the performers taking to the stage at the London Palladium in front of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Harry and Meghan.
Lee joins a glittering array of singers, comedians, famous faces and surprise guests who will perform for the special event which is being broadcast tonight on ITV. Among those taking part are comedian Rhod Gilbert, Andrea Bocelli and his son Matteo, chart toppers George Ezra, Clean Bandit and Sigrid, the West End cast of Tina: The Tina Tuner Musical and world famous Cirque Du Soleil.
Here, 37-year-old Lee, who has a neurological form of cerebral palsy and communicates using a text-to-speech app on an Ipad, reveals why it’s a dream come true and why he’s hoping to be the new Robbie Williams...
Lee Ridley, Lost Voice Guy's exclusive interview with TV Times
TV Times: Did you used to watch the Royal Variety as a child?
Lee Ridley: "Yes we always watched it together as a family when I was little so it has some very special memories for me. A lot of my heroes have performed on that stage at the London Palladium so it’s amazing to be following in their footsteps. The only time I’ve been was for judges’ decision day during Britain’s Got Talent, but even then I could tell what an amazing venue it was."
TVT: Can you hint at what your routine will involve?
LR: "It will be cheeky, mischievous but most of all funny. There may be one or two jokes especially for the Duke and Duchess! I can’t wait to meet them. They’re definitely the coolest Royals at the moment. Maybe we can compare notes on how much fun we’ve all had in 2018. I just I just hope they like my jokes or I might end up in the Tower of London!"
TVT: Take That, Rick Astley and the cast of Hamilton are some of the performers taking part. Who are you excited about meeting?
LR: "I’m very excited to meet Take That. I’m secretly hoping they’ll let me be the new Robbie Williams and we can have a number one hit together. I’ve got a great singing voice, after all! And I’m excited about meeting comedian Greg Davies who’s hosting. I’ve always loved his stand-up."
TVT: How nervous will you be on stage?
LR: "It’s going to be a nerve- wracking experience, never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be performing in front of the Royal Family. It’s been a great year for me and this is going to be the icing on the cake. I just hope I don’t hit the wrong button and swear in front of Harry and Meghan."
TVT: Have the BGT judges, Alesha, Simon, David and Amanda given you any tips?
LR: "Yes. I speak to Simon quite a lot. I got invited to his summer party earlier in the year and David came to see my show at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in August. He’s given me some good advice about my comedy career, which I’m very grateful for."
TVT: How has winning Britain’s Got Talent changed your life?
LR: "Massively! Winning the show has opened a lot of doors for me. I’m going on a big UK tour next year and I’m also writing a book called I’m Only In It For The Parking which has always been a dream of mine. Next year is going to be even busier. I’m writing another series of my Radio 4 sitcom Ability. I just hope my batteries don’t run out in between all of that."
TVT: What do people say to you when they see you out and about?
LR: "I get recognised a lot, especially in my home city of Newcastle. Mostly it’s people asking for selfies and congratulating me on my success. I’m really flattered by it all, it’s lovely people want to chat and I appreciate everyone’s support. I said I’d get a new Geordie accent for my Ipad if I won BGT but I haven’t yet. I still sound like a posh version of Robocop!"
TVT: How are you going to be celebrating Christmas?
LR: "I’m going to be with my family at home. It’s been such a busy year so it’ll be nice to be able to relax for a change. I’m looking forward to some quality time with my loved ones."
The Royal Variety Performance, tonight, 7.30pm, ITV
Lee Ridley’s 60 date debut UK tour starts at Soho Theatre on 23rd January 2019 and runs until 30th April
Main pic: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX/Shutterstock
