Issy all set to dazzle in the States

Issy Simpson, who came second in Britain’s Got Talent earlier this year, spoke to The Gazette as the resort’s Imperial Hotel hosted auditions for next year’s series of the ITV talent contest.

Issy said: “On October 9 I fly to Los Angeles and I’m going to be doing something with Ellen. I’m very excited.

“It will be on the show sometime next year.”

Grandad and magic mentor Russ Stevens, who performed at the Pleasure Beach’s Mystique shows, was with her at the auditions.

He said: “It’s exciting. As well as Ellen, Issy will be talking to some film producers. There’s lots happening that we can’t talk about but it’s so promising.”

He also told how Issy is now rubbing shoulders with Hollywood royalty after being signed up by the same manager as Daniel Radcliffe and Liam Neeson.

Issy added: “We’ve been meeting old friends from the crew from this year that we haven’t seen for ages. It’s been a good day.

“I’m also performing some new card mind-reading tricks, which I’ve been keeping secret.”

And on Friday, Issy was invited to take part in the grand opening of Hawes Side Academy’s new building.

She said: “It was very fun. I got to cut a ribbon, plant a tree, and help run the stalls.”

Britain’s Got Talent auditions return to the North West on the weekend of November 4 and 5 at Manchester Central Convention Complex.