Romford choir members audition for Britain’s Got Talent

The group, formed in November last year, was part of an act called The Big Sing which performed Emeli Sandé’s Brighter Days during the audition stage of the show, broadcast on Saturday (April 15).

The Big Sing Choir is made up of many regional choirs, with Romford being the newest, and has more than 500 members in total. To fit them all in the performance, small groups were ‘hidden’ in the audience, ready to pop up at certain points in the song.

Members of Romford Choir gathered for a 'Watch Party' to see their act broadcast on telly on Saturday (Image: Jenny Manning)

The Romford choristers were seated in the balcony disguised as public, until it was their turn to jump up and sing.

Judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and Bruno Tonioli were delighted with this element of surprise and cheered for the singers.

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Joseph Perry, their tutor, had the challenge of getting the performers ready for BGT in three months.

He said: “It’s been a real pleasure to see how the choir has come together so quickly and they sound fantastic."

Joseph Perry, the Romford Choir tutor clicked at a rehearsal (Image: Jenny Manning)

Sharon Craft, 54, one of the first Romford choir members, said she decided to join it as it was “time to do something for her” and she loved to sing.

42-year-old Sarah Farrell shared that the choir has changed her life by surrounding her with fellow singers in a group. She added: “It’s the cheapest form of therapy around."

Romford choir members Jenny Manning and Sarah Farrell on the sets of Britain's Got Talent (Image: Jenny Manning)

The Big Sing is a community choir started in 2011 by Gemma and Howard Francis to make music accessible to everyone.

Its next big live gig, Big Fest, will be held at Brentwood Centre on May 20.

Anyone with an interest in singing can join them and attend practice sessions that can be booked at www.big-sing.com.