MECCA-ME A STAR: Heather Hughes from Wrexham wins Mecca’s Got Talent

Heather, who entered the online stage of the competition was voted a favourite by MeccaBingo.com customers and became a wildcard entry into the Grand Finals. Elated by her win, Heather commented, “When Lorraine announced I was the national winner I didn’t know whether to scream, cry or faint I was so shocked.  Months ago when I entered the competition I just hoped I’d get the chance to perform at the Club Finals never mind get to the national final or even win it. This is probably one of the most exciting things to have ever happened to me and I honestly don’t know when it will sink in.”

Heather performed ‘There You’ll Be’, made famous by Faith Hill, in front of an audience of nearly 1,000 Mecca customers and a panel of judges which included comedian Duncan Norvelle, Stavros Flatley and Elaine Hunt, owner of top talent agency Stagepalm.  The 24 year old full-time mum of two has been singing in competitions for over eight years, finding inspiration from music idols such as Cher and Whitney Houston.

Commenting on the winner, Stavros Flatley said, “It was an incredible night with ten superb acts but we all agreed that Heather just edged it with her flawless performance of ‘There You’ll Be’.  I think that Heather has a fantastic future ahead of her and I would be delighted to offer her my advice and support to help hit the big time.”

Miles Baron, Sales and Marketing Director from Mecca Bingo said, “This is the first year we have run Mecca’s Got Talent. We were absolutely astounded by the high quality of entries and we’d like to say many many congratulations to Heather who thoroughly deserved to win the national finals event.”

Darrel Stoten, General Manager of Mecca Bilston which hosted the national finals event said, “Many, many congratulations to Heather who thoroughly deserved to win the national finals event.

“The atmosphere in the club was absolutely electric from the moment the first customers walked through the door until the last coach left.  Nearly 1,000 customers from Mecca clubs across the UK had travelled to support their local finalist so the noise level was astonishing.  I don’t think we’ve ever had such a loud session in our club before!  It was a fantastic night and I’m not sure who it enjoyed it most – the finalists, the customers or the team working at the club!”

Lorraine Kelly says, “I had such a brilliant time hosting the finals event and was glad I wasn’t a judge as it was such a close-call - all the finalists were amazing.  I really do wish Heather and all the other finalists the best of luck for the future and hope they go on to achieve great success.”

*The performance will take place at half time during the Blue Square Bet Premier Play-Off Finals in 2011.

Visit http://www.meccabingo.com for more information.

-ends-