Acrobats who landed talent show title look to Olympics for new challenge

Members of Spelbound, the 13-strong acrobatic act, which includes two former members of Wakefield Gym Club, revealed they hoped to take part in the 2016 Games.

They said they had also received offers to perform in Las Vegas shows after 15m viewers watched them leap to success in Saturday's finale.

Group members also hit back at accusations talent was running thin in the UK amid rumours Simon Cowell would broaden his show to include entertainers from across the globe.

Show sources confirmed the judge was "exploring the idea" of a World's Got Talent show.

Two members of Spellbound – Alex Uttley and Nick Illingworth – are former members of Wakefield Gym Club.

Speaking in London yesterday, the group members told how they hoped the show could provide a springboard to Olympic success.

Their brand of acrobatic gymnastics is not recognised at the London 2012 Games.

But when asked if they would like their sport to be considered in the wake of their achievements, group member Mr Uttley, a 25-year-old gymnastics coach, said: "Yeah definitely, the recognition for the sport has now increased dramatically from what it would have done.

"If it could get into the Olympics – what better achievement for us?

"We are going to the World Championships and European Championships but that's as far as it goes for us."

Asked if they could win gold, the group replied in unison: "Yes".

The bookies' favourites secured the public vote with a routine involving one of the dancers being thrown over judge Amanda Holden.

They fought off competition from an 81-year-old chanteuse and a 13-year-old drummer for the 100,000 prize and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance.

Simon Cowell said voters were "absolutely" right to choose Spelbound as winners. Dance duo Twist and Pulse and drummer Kieran Gaffney made up the top three.

Spelbound is also made up of Adam McAssey, 20, Adam Buckingham, 21, Jonathan Stranks, 15, Douglas Fordyce, 19, Edward Upcott, 18, Nick Illingworth, 24, Katie Axten, 17, Leighanne Cowler, 18, Lauren Kemp, 17, Hollianne Wood, 13, Abigail Ralph, 15, and Amy Mackenzie, 12.

Afterwards, the judges were fulsome in their praise.

Ms Holden said: "We are hosting the Olympics Games and I can only think 'what a brilliant opening act'."

Mr Cowell said they were worth a "gold medal" at the Games, adding: "I can only say on live television that that was one of the most astonishing things I have ever seen. Seriously."