BRITAIN’S Got Talent’s Alex Mitchell delivered a heartfelt tribute to the late former rugby star Rob Burrow during his final performance on the ITV show.
The primary teacher from Leeds, who has autism and Tourettes, honoured the beloved star following the announcement of his death on Sunday (June 2).
Alex gave an incredible comedy routine for his final performance on BGT.
Viewers saw him poke fun at his love life and dates as well as seeing him embrace his ticks, which began six months after he started performing.
After he finished his performance, Alex had some powerful words for Rob’s family.
He said: “An hour ago before I came on stage I got some sad news.
“To the family of Rob Burrow – he is a hero and I hope you know how much we love him here tonight, and for him advocating for disability rights is so important.”
The audience and judges Simon Cowell, Bruno Tonioli, Alesha Dixon, and Amanda Holden erupted into applause.
Rob was diagnosed with motor neurone disease in 2019 which was just two years after retiring from a 17-season league career.
He passed away at Pinderfield’s Hospital near his home after becoming ill earlier this week.
Announcing the news today, Rob’s family wrote on X: “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother, and friend.
“Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with motor neurone disease.
“He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more.
“The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and half years meant so much to Rob.
“In particular, the rugby league family and the MND community have rallied around Rob to inspire him, thank you for your support.
“For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and half years came as no surprise.
“Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something, he just found his own way of doing it better than anyone else.
“He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream.”
Britain's Got Talent winners
Britain's Got Talent has a gigantic hall of fame when it comes to its winners - from magicians, comedians to dance troops - the show has had it all. Here's a look back at each winner from each series...
2023 – Viggo Venn
2022 – Axel Blake
2021 – Cancelled by ITV due to the Coronavirus pandemic
2020 – Jon Courtenay
2019 – Colin Thackery
2018 – Lost Voice Guy
2017 – Tokio Myers
2016 – Richard Jones
2015 – Jules O’Dwyer & Matisse
2014 – Collabro
2013 – Attraction
2012 – Ashleigh and Pudsey
2011 – Jai McDowell
2010 – Spelbound
2009 – Diversity
2008 – George Sampson
2007 – Paul Potts
