The Voice Kids finalist George Elliott and his family thank Peterborough supporters

George was one of the three runners-up in the final show screened last night (August 29) and it marked the end of an exciting journey for the Peterborough 11-year-old.

George, mum Jodie (41) and dad Karl (41) from Walton were joined by family and friends at a special party to watch the final show.

The final was filmed last Saturday (August 22) and the family have had to keep the result secret until last night’s screening.

Jodie said: “We had to be very careful. We basically just stayed in all week. We didn’t want to spoil it for anyone.”

George watched the screening of the final last night at the Post Office club off Bourges Boulevard with family and friends and Jodie said there was no disappointment at the result.

“It was amazing, his aunts and uncles and cousins and all the family loved it.” said Jodie. “When we saw his performance we were blown away.

“We knew he couldn’t have done any better than that.

“I have been with him throughout and that was on another level.

“He wasn’t disappointed at all at the result. We said all along it wasn’t about whose name was read out at the end, it was about all of them enjoying those last two goes on stage.”

Next George is hoping to find a band to perform with and the family are considering music lessons after advice from his mentor on the show Danny Jones (of the band McFly).

“He wants to find a band to perform with,” said Jodie. “That was what Danny said to him and that’s what he needs next. Get in a band and keep practicing and we will back him on this. He has done so well so we are thinking about lessons for him. He has got this far so with lessons he could improve even more.”

Jodie said George has not had any trouble adjusting to life after the show and is looking forward to starting at Queen Katharine Academy next month.

“He is just as he always is, he’s playing FIFA and doing what he normally does. The only time that he was a bit upset was when it all finished.

“He has got on really well with all of the other kids and of course Danny. He’s not starstruck, unless he’s with Danny, he has got on so well with him.”

George has already had requests to perform in Peterborough with a charity event in JUne and a local event in Walton asking if he will sing.

Jodie said the support from the city has meant a lot to the whole family.

“We really wanted to say thank you for all the messages,” said Jodie. “He has had some lovely messages and a lot of support which really gave him a boost. We are very grateful to everyone who supported him.”

Justine Afante was crowned the winner of The Voice Kids UK 2020 in Saturday night’s show.

She had been competing against George, Victoria Alsina and Dara McNicholl in front of the ITV show’s first ever virtual audience, which voted for the winner.

Ahead of the announcement, all of the finalists had been told that they would be rewarded with a dream holiday to Orlando, Florida.

Meanwhile Justine was also given a bursary towards her musical education.

Coaches Will.i.am, Pixie Lott, Paloma Faith and Danny Jones also performed to an empty studio while their finalists sit in their iconic red chairs.

Despite there being no live audience, the young singers turned in some incredible performances and also took to the stage with their coaches for some epic duets.

Jodie said the whole family will miss the show.

“It has been the best experience,” she said. “We have basically built the whole year around it but it has been worth it.”