"COMING from Louth is the best thing that ever happened to me."
Those are the words of Thomas Leak, formerly of Saltfleetby near Louth, speaking ahead of Saturday night's Britain's Got Talent final.
The 24-year-old performs with the theatre act group Collabro, who are among the bookies' favourites to win the whole competition.
The five-strong group impressed the judges in their semi-final of the ITV1 talent show with their rendition of Bring Him Home, from Les Miserables.
And their performance won the public vote, beating off competition from the eight other acts.
They now face 15 other contestants for the £250,000 prize and a spot at the Royal Variety Performance.
Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, Thomas said the group couldn't wait to get underway.
"We're all pretty nervous for it," he said. "But the build-up has been fine. We've obviously been busy with rehearsals but we've had a lot of interviews to do as well, so it's been pretty much non-stop.
"It's been difficult to get it all right as there's just so much to do. It's not just learning the song it's all about getting the harmony right as well.
"As a group we have to have one voice and you can't have one person blaring out all the others.
"I'm sure it will be fine on the night though and we'll make sure we're ready.
"We don't want to say we will definitely win, but of course I hope we do. I still can't believe we're in the final to be honest, it's such a weird feeling.
"It still hasn't settled in and it feels like a dream. Last week we were watching the other semi-finals and seeing all these other great acts, and we couldn't believe we were a part of it."
Thomas, who performs under the stage name of Thomas J Redgrave and was also known in his early days as Tom, studied at Louth Monks' Dyke School and also performed in St James' choir for seven years.
He was then a part of a number of productions with the Louth Playgoers Group.
He added: "The support has just been amazing. We've seen people making banners and sending us photos – they've all been jumping on board.
"Being from Louth and growing up in theatre has really helped me. I remember John Lill from the Louth Playgoers and the support he gave me.
"Like I say, growing up in that environment is where I got my love for theatre. Coming from Louth is the best thing that ever happened to me.
"I really can't thank everyone enough and it's so good to hear people are getting behind us and voting."
Thomas' father, Barrie Leak, said he is quietly confident of his son's chances.
"I'm not sure about tickets at the moment but I will be there regardless. Even if we can't get in we'll be near the studios with all the other family and friends.
"I'm hoping it will go OK and I'm quietly confident of their chances. I just hope the public get behind them, but they do seem to be quite popular.
"The thing is, it's the final now so all the acts will be popular. Tom is obviously very excited and I'm a very proud father as well.
"I think the future is bright for the group regardless of what happens on Saturday.
"Judging from Simon's reaction he was very happy with them anyway.
"It would be great for them to win and get the chance to win in front of the Queen, but we will see what happens!"
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![Britain's Got Talent final: Collabro's Thomas Leak speaks to the Telegraph ahead of Saturday's showdown]( "Britain's Got Talent final: Collabro's Thomas Leak speaks to the Telegraph ahead of Saturday's showdown")
