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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
Entertainment
Siobhan O'Connor

Irish Britain's Got Talent star Cillian O'Connor shares secret to staying calm on stage ahead of final

Meath magician Cillian O’Connor is not worried Irish viewers can’t vote for him in the Britain’s Got Talent final as he divulged the secret to his success – Tic Tacs.

The schoolboy whizz – who won the public vote in Friday night’s semi-final – is now being tipped as one of the favourites to win the competition and walk away with £250,000 (€290,000).

Cillian, who has autism, yesterday told the Sunday Mirror: “I am not concerned the Irish can’t vote.

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“Even without all of them I won the public vote for the fifth round of semi finals.”

The 13-year-old blew the audience away with his semi final act which climaxed with him disappearing leaving just a flurry of confetti where he had stood on stage.

Amanda Holden said she was “lost for words” while a bemused Simon Cowell admitted: “There’s just something about you, you’re so good at what you do.”

All four judges gave Cillian a standing ovation with Bruno Tonioli describing the performance as “spellbinding”.

Cillian has less than 48 hours to conjure up another winning performance but revealed he uses a certain tactic to keep himself calm.

He said: “Before going on stage I would usually have some Tic Tacs to energise myself and get my nerves down.

“I’m feeling overwhelmed by all the support I’ve gotten from people all over the world.

“For the final it will be the best act yet. You’ll just have to wait and see!”

Cillian O'Connor on Friday night's semi-final (Shutterstock)

Cillian’s family were in the audience on Friday and couldn’t hold back the tears as he topped the vote. Proud mam Elaine told us: “We are extremely proud, still in shock. He is still the same kid, not at all fazed, which we love.”

The BGT final is on ITV1 and Virgin Media One tonight at 7.30pm.

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