14 million watch final of ITV talent show

The ITV1 live results show of Britain’s Got Talent had 57 per cent of television viewers at its height, at 14.1 million, and an extra 300,000 caught up on the ITV+1 channel.

The support worker, 24, from Ayrshire in Scotland, overcame his nerves to beat the favourite, 12-year-old Ronan Parke, into second place.

McDowall, who has never had any professional training and got into singing through karaoke, said: “It’s a total dream come true.”

Pop mogul Simon Cowell said McDowall “came in believing that he could win and I think he’s a worthy winner.”

Judge Amanda Holden said: “Of course I’m thrilled for Jai but I have to say that I really wanted Ronan to win.”

The youngster from Norwich was a favourite among the judges who praised his “perfect” performance’

However, it was McDowall, who sang To Where You Are by Josh Groban, who won the public vote.

He takes home a £100,000 prize and the chance to perform at the Royal Variety Performance in front of the Queen.

Ronan, who hit the headlines after an anonymous internet blogger alleged Cowell had been grooming him for stardom for the past two years, was praised for his performance in the final which was discussed online on social networking sites including footballer Wayne Rooney and former Children’s Secretary Ed Balls.

The England footballer, who has just had a hair transplant, said of Ronan: “What a voice for his age. Talented lad” and “Respect little man”.

An average of 12.5 million watched the half-hour programme between 9.30pm and 10pm – a 51 per cent share – up on the 12.3 million who watched last year’s final show.