Alumni prepare to hit the high notes on Britain’s Got Talent

Posted 22 May

The Hawkstone Choir on Britain’s Got Talent, which continues Saturdays on ITV1 and ITVX.

Talented alumni from Harper Adams University who captured the hearts – and ears of the nation are preparing for the performance of a lifetime on Britain’s Got Talent this weekend.

James Florey and Gwen Woodruffe, both former students, are key members of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir, a 32-strong group that moved the nation and secured a historic Golden Buzzer from judge Amanda Holden.

They are now making preparing to wow both the judges – and the viewing public - on the show’s live semi-finals on Saturday, May 23.

The Hawkstone Farmers Choir began as a project for Jeremy Clarkson’s Hawkstone brand, drawing more than 500 applicants from the UK farming community.

Among those selected were James Florey, a fourth-generation farmer from Witney, and Gwen Woodruffe, who studied Agricultural Marketing at Harper Adams.

When not singing, James manages a 500-acre family farm in Oxfordshire- and believes his new-found fame offers a rare opportunity to highlight the farming profession and the impact of rural isolation.

He said: "One minute you’re out in the fields, the next you’re standing on a national stage under bright lights.”

Despite the glamour of a glittering television appearance the choir’s heart remains rooted in the ‘muck and nettles’ of the industry's challenges.

The group is dedicated to raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention within the farming community – and have pledged that, if they win the £250,000 Britain’s Got Talent prize, a significant portion will be donated to agricultural mental health charities.

The choir will need the public’s support to progress to the final. People can register by going to itv.com/vote and following the instructions – each mobile number registered will be allowed up to five votes.

Gwen, who now works at Butser Ancient Farm in Hampshire, believes the choir – which she describes as a ‘dream come true’ - has boosted her own mental health.

She added: "Getting to sing in a choir with such wonderful voices is so uplifting. It has given me enormous joy and happiness, as well as boosting confidence and mental wellbeing."

_{Update: The Choir - which also features alumni Richard Heady, Will Rogers and Ben Chick - went on to win at this year's final. Check out our blog on the show here.}