Star wanabees on show

From magicians to tap dancers, jugglers and even singing dogs, the region's wannabe stars are coming out in force in a bid to make the big time in Britain's latest TV talent search.

Presented by Ant and Dec, Simon Cowell's latest TV venture, Britain's Got Talent rolled into Birmingham.

And thousands are turning up over three days this week just for the chance to get in the audience for the auditions.

And many - including myself - were turned away despite clutching free tickets for the show. The show sees music mogul Cowell size up performers alongside former Mirror editor Piers Morgan and actress Amanda Holden.

It has already proved a massive hit in the United States and as well as having no age limit, contestants - and their pets - can show off any talent they choose.

At Birmingham's Alexandra Theatre, queues went down the street and around the corner as people rushed to get into the audience.

I got near the front,only to be told that plans to open an upper tier at the theatre had been scrapped and that I had no option but to head home. Inside, pre-selected acts waited for their chance to impress.

Singers, magicians, a can-can troupe, a breakdancing crew, a 79-year-old tap dancer and "singing dog" have already tried their luck in front of the judges and the auditions were continuing today and tomorrow.

Wolverhampton teenager Rosni Patel was among those given the thumbs-up by the judges for her Bollywood dance.

The 17-year-old was given a unanimous "yes" verdict by the hard-to-impress panel of judges to become one of the 100 acts who will be going through to the next stage.

Tristan Carter and girlfriend Clare Langford, both 27 and from Kingswinford, were lucky enough to get a glimpse of the show.

"Some of the acts were really bad, but that's what makes it fun. There's more variety than there was with something like X Factor. Simon is actually quite nice to the contestants. It is Piers Morgan who has taken on the role of the bad guy."

Tracy Moule, 42, and her 19-year-old daughter Hayley, from Featherstone, were among the crowds desperate to get a glimpse of the latest batch of hopefuls.

"The audition stages are always the best bit of these sort of shows. We also really like Simon Cowell," said Tracy.

Show spokeswoman Sara Lee apologised to those left in the cold, adding: "This is the first time we have opened the doors for the auditions. It has actually proved more popular than we thought it would."

By Victoria Nash