Young talent Shaun in final

Shaun Smith of Lichfield was chosen by judges on last night's semi-final to go through to Saturday's live final after he performed U2's hit With Or Without You.

But it was a mixed night for Staffordshire performers as the county's other semi-finalist, 20-stone drag act Peter Coghlan, was kicked out of the contest as judge Simon Cowell branded him "a fat bloke in a red wig".

An audience of 13.6 million tuned in to see Shaun go through, with actress Amanda Holden saying contest favourite, Scottish singer Susan Boyle, "had big competition".

Shaun, a rugby player from Upper Longdon and a sixth form pupil at Lichfield's Friary School, lost out on the public vote to dance group Flawless who also went through to the final.

Shaun, aged 17, then had to go up against ventriloquist act Gareth Oliver from Halifax for the judges to choose their favourite.

Former newspaper editor Piers Morgan chose Gareth but Simon Cowell said there was "no hesitation" choosing Shaun, who also got Amanda Holden's vote.

Simon said: "That was a million times better than anything we have seen tonight. You are a little dark horse in this competition."

After winning his place Shaun said: "This has been the best weekend of my life and I want to thank everyone who voted for me."

Meanwhile Stafford father-of two Peter Coghlan, aka Mama Trish, was not so lucky. Coghlan, aged 48, was dumped after performing to Beyonce's Single Ladies.

The drag quee declared himself to be Simon's new girlfriend. But Cowell hit back saying: "You just look like a fat bloke in a red wig."