CHELSEA pensioner Colin Thackery won Britain’s Got Talent — and is now in line for a big-money record contract.
The 89-year-old widower beat magicians X and Ben Hart in the final three with his rendition of Michael Ball’s Love Changes Everything.
He received a standing ovation, with judges Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon — who wore silver and gold dresses — both full of praise.
After winning £250,000 and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance, stunned Colin, who sang We’ll Meet Again in the semis, said: “I’m absolutely astonished.
"The backing I’ve had has been fantastic.”
On performing for the Queen, he added: “That’s the job. That’s what I wanted.”
Colin, who got a hug from co-host Ant McPartlin, told him and Dec Donnelly: “I’m stuck for words for a change.”
Masked magician X said: “To come second to someone like Colin, who has risked his life for us . . . I bow to him.”
Meanwhile, The Sun can reveal Colin is being lined up for a record deal.
Music insiders think the OAP, who served in the 45th Regiment of the Royal Artillery, will be a hit after his success on the ITV show.
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He is being eyed up by Sony Music bosses, who think he can emulate the success of The D-Day Darlings last year.
An industry source said: “The belief among record execs is that Colin has even more commercial potential.
“If they can come to an agreement, the initial plan would be to release an album in the next few months.”
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