Dance troupe MerseyGirls staged an emotional return to Britain’s Got Talent on Saturday, two years after Simon Cowell paid for spinal surgery for member Julia Carlile.
The group earned a place in the final of The Champions spin-off series after reducing all four judges and viewers at home to tears. Julia, who first appeared on BGT in 2017, was told she would never dance again ahead of an operation for scoliosis, prompting Simon to intervene and pay for her to have the surgery done in America.
As she returned to the stage with her fellow dancers, the judges watched in amazement as she performed back bends and back flips as part of a high-energy routine.
A visibly upset Simon told them after the performance: “It is one person’s strength, and beyond that is the friendship and support; the fact you stayed together and supported each other and the fact you were able to came back tonight – it’s everything.”
David Walliams said: “This is really emotional. We are all absolutely in bits, I’m sure the nation is too. Well done girls, every one of you made something really special.”Alesha Dixon, who hit the golden buzzer for the group in 2017, said: “If I had another golden buzzer I would have pressed it again. When you did the back flip across stage it made my heart soar,” while Amanda Holden hailed Carlile as “a walking miracle, a dancing, back-flipping miracle”.
She added: “I think it’s one of the most emotional performances we have ever had on the show and all you girls are absolutely outstanding dancers.”
Overcome by emotion on stage Julia replied: “I literally thought by now I would be at home, not dancing for the rest of my life. Here I am at Wembley, back flipping with my best friends, it’s crazy.
“I couldn’t walk two years ago and now I’m here.”
The moment also had viewers watching at home in tears...Cheers. Mersey Girls. Inspirational. Crying me eyes out. #BGTChampions— James Cooper (@essentialjc) September 7, 2019i cried at merseygirls performance, and i cried when i found out my girls won the semis! i'm so excited to see you in the finals, honestly. i've been a happy emotional wreck tonight ngl. unbelievably proud of my girls, no one deserved it more 💗 @MerseyGirls@juliacarlile_x— beth :) (@ughbethy) September 7, 2019As a dancer I know how much work goes into each routine and the bond that can form between friends @juliacarlile_x@MerseyGirls I’ve been a fan since the first performance and tonight’s had me crying. Congrats girls can’t wait to see what’s next 💖— Emma Picton (@emzzz92) September 7, 2019So emotional 😥 Someone give Simon a hug 🤗 Welcome back @juliacarlile_x and the @MerseyGirls#BGTChampionspic.twitter.com/2G9KMbyJSM— Just Simon Cowell (@JustSimonCowell) September 7, 2019Yes!!!! Amazing stuff @merseygirls mgteamofficial! I am so so proud I'm now actually crying happy tears! What a performance!! You've all worked so so hard especially @juliacarlile_x and of course the support of the… https://t.co/OiszMzzg5X— Mark Blackman (@markblackman) September 7, 2019Am I just really really sad or is anyone else crying after the Mersey girls????? Such an amazing journey and for one young girl. She’s living the dream— Sam (@sammsmith_) September 7, 2019Wow crying a #merseygirls when she got off stage to hug simon. What a great man for paying for her surgery ❤ I hope they win. They deserve it. #BGTChampions— Becca (@_beccakelly__) September 7, 2019is it good or bad that I’m crying at #merseygirls#BGTthechampions— amy⭐️🧜🏼♀️HAPPYBIRTHDAYJOSEPH💓 (@mylovejoanne) September 7, 2019Crying.. Absolutely fantastic, #merseygirls#BGTChampions#bgt— Gary Derrick (@garyderrick10) September 7, 2019😭🥳🤗. In bits after watching the @merseygirls incredible performance on @gottalent tonight. So so proud to call @juliacarlile_x my friend, and we are exceptionally grateful to have her as a @fit4lifecic ambassador.… https://t.co/aqL6FjtcR6— Zoe Williams (@DrZoeWilliams) September 7, 2019Simon getting emotional and crying at @MerseyGirls is one of the most pure and true things I’ve ever seen on the show!! @antanddec@BGT@SimonCowell#BGTTheChampions#BGTChampions— ant_declan_ (@NewsAntAndDec) September 7, 2019The group were chosen for a place in the final by the live audience at Wembley Arena, beating other hopefuls including Jai McDowall, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2011 and last year’s winner Lost Voice Guy.
Jai’s return saw Simon apologise for not supporting him after he won the show.
Joining MerseyGirls in the final will be Germany’s Got Talent winner Alexa Lauenburger and her eight dancing dogs, who earned their place after hosts Ant & Dec hit the golden buzzer.
They beat off competition from America’s Got Talent finalist Deadly Games, Italy’s Got Talent winner Antonio Sorgentone, Asia’s Got Talent finalists Gao and Liu and America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin, as well as Britain’s Got Talent finalists 100 Voices Of Gospel.
Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions continues next Saturday at 8.15pm on ITV. READ MORE... Simon Cowell Apologises To Oft-Forgotten BGT Winner Jai McDowall Over Previous Negative Comments Paul Potts Speaks Out After Being Accused Of 'Sulking' At Elimination From Britain's Got Talent: The Champions Amanda Holden Hits Out At 'B*****ks' Reality TV Rumours