Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer winner has had an emotional reunion with his estranged dad following his Britain’s Got Talent success.
Comic Kojo Anim – favourite to win the show – was put in foster care as a toddler after both parents were jailed.
But after his dad saw him on the ITV show, watched by eight million people, he got back in touch.
Kojo said: “Just got off the phone with my dad who I have not spoken to in nine years and all it took was for him to call and say he is proud of me and our relationship is now back on track.
“This is all bigger than comedy... it’s about peace of mind, happiness, love and family.”
Simon Cowell's Golden Buzzer act revealed as BGT's Kojo Anim collapses in tears
Kojo, who is through to the live semi-finals, had a troubled upbringing.
He was stunned at 19 when the man who he thought was his dad turned out not to be.
When he finally encountered his true father, he said it was surreal.
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“I meet my real dad who I know nothing about but looks everything like me,” he said.
Kojo’s foster home stint was meant to last three months. But he developed such a close bond with his foster mum, whom he calls Aunt Sandra, he stayed until he was 16.
He says: “My hero would be my aunt after taking me in at five years old.
“I don’t think I will meet someone that has the same impact. It’s second to none.”
Kojo said he wanted to speak out about his family issues to send a message not to take them for granted.
“Do not disrespect your family, by not being there. That is something I took for granted on so many levels,
the love is unconditional. Spend more time with the family.”
Kojo, who lives in London with fiancee Tiffany, and their eight-month-old son, has spent 20 years on the comedy circuit.
He even knows BGT judge Alesha Dixon from her early Mis-Teeq days. He opened for Kevin Hart’s Wembley gig in 2014 in front of 12,000 people.
