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Maidstone student talks Britain's Got Talent experience and standing ovation from Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden

An A-level student has revealed what it was like to receive a standing ovation from the Britain’s Got Talent judges.

James Bish, from Maidstone, appeared on episode two of the ITV show, where he wowed the panel as part of dance group, IMD Legion.

IMD Legion on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: ITV
IMD Legion on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: ITV

The 16-year-old from Valley Park Secondary School dominated the stage alongside his 37 dance partners.

He said: "Performing at the Palladium in front of the Britain’s Got Talent judges was exciting and scary, but we smashed our performance and when the judges and audience gave us a standing ovation, it was quite overwhelming.

"I cannot wait to find out if we’ve made the live semi-finals, but whatever the outcome it’s been an incredible experience.”

The group performed a hip hop set with acrobatic-like tricks to a music mix made by IMD Legion founder and CEO, Omar Ansah-Awuah.

The episode they featured in aired on Saturday, April 17, however, their audition was filmed back in January.

James Bish from Maidstone appeared on Britain's Got Talent with IMD Legion
James Bish from Maidstone appeared on Britain's Got Talent with IMD Legion

Established by Omar in 2010, IMD Legion now has over 70 members, and runs open classes weekly at Centre Stage in Stratford.

Omar added: “After spending almost two years in lockdown, training remotely and missing out on many competitions and performances, it’s been fantastic to come back and perform at the biggest competition there is, Britain’s Got Talent."

As well as training and competing with IMD Legion in Newham, East London, James also trains with Funk Of The Future, a South East London based performance street dance crew run by Mr Yaw Darko, as well as attending Pegasus Gym in Maidstone for extra flip, trick and parkour training.

IMD Legion has performed all over the world, won numerous National, European and World titles.

James performed alongside two other Kent school pupils, Ilana Wigg and Katie Mason from Highsted Grammar School in Sittingbourne.

From left to right, Ilana Wigg and Katie Mason from Sittingbourne featured on Episode 2 of Britain's Got Talent
From left to right, Ilana Wigg and Katie Mason from Sittingbourne featured on Episode 2 of Britain's Got Talent

Ilana, who is studying maths, physics and PE, said: “We trained for our BGT audition for years, but the routine we performed only took about a month to perfect.

“We train about 15 hours a week, which increases when it comes to the time just before a performance.

“We’ve had to give up quite a lot, we don’t get much time to rest and see our friends but it’s worth it for the outcome.

“The hardest moments are probably just before we go on stage because the performance is everything that we’ve been working up to.

“It can be quite nerve racking and emotional because so much has gone into it.”

IMD Legion on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: ITV
IMD Legion on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: ITV

Katie, who studies business, photography, media and PE said: "The best thing about going on Britain’s Got Talent was being able to enjoy being on the stage with people we consider family.”

Ilana said: “It was amazing to see Simon Cowell, David Walliams, Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden stand and clap at the end.”

The next episode of Britain’s Got Talent will air on Saturday on ITV.

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