Britain's Got Talent winners - where are they now? The varied fortunes of past ... trends now

Britain's Got Talent will make its long-awaited return to screens on Saturday for a brand new series, with a new line-up of hopefuls battling it out to impress the judging panel.

As well as the £250,000 prize money and a coveted spot on the Royal Variety Performance, the performers will no doubt be hoping to follow on from the success of over a decade of past winners.

From panto and podcasting to TV judging and their very own films, the previous victors have enjoyed varying levels of fame and success since being crowned the winner.

And some viewers will be hoping for a better result than last year's final, with Madcap comedian Viggo Venn's 2023 victory sparking huge backlash from viewers.

So, as the new search for Britain's next big star begins, MailOnline takes a look back at what BGT's past winners have been up to...

Paul Potts - Opera Singer - Series 1 (2007) 

Former mobile salesman Paul Potts was Britain's Got Talent's very first winner back in 2007, having impressed the judges with his powerhouse vocals. 

Following his success on the show, he took the world by storm, bagging a platinum album with his debut album One Chance - which topped the album charts in 13 countries.

Paul has since gone on to release six further albums and has won numerous accolades, while a film biopic of his life, starring James Cordon, was released in 2013.

These days, Paul is still singing and performing around the world, with the star set to perform dates in cities including Middlesborough and Clacton-On-Sea, before travelling to Germany for shows in August.

George Sampson - Street Dancer -  Series 2 (2008)

George was just 14 when he was crowned series 2 champion, having particularly impressed in the final thanks to his performance to Mint Royale's remix of Singin' In The Rain.

While dancing is his passion, George later turned his hand to acting, having appeared as Kyle Stack in Waterloo Road and Gary in Mount Pleasant.

He also went on to have roles in Emmerdale and the StreetDance films, while also treading the boards in Panto.

Over the Easter period, George starred as the titular hero in a pantomime production of Robin Hood on a touring production of Robin Hood. 

The performer is also loved up with actress girlfriend Kazmin Borrer, with the couple recently celebrating four years together.

Diversity - Street Dance Troupe - Series 3 (2009)

Diversity were the surprise winner of series 3, having beat fan favourite Susan Boyle to the top spot.

They've since gone on to huge success, having fronted several of their own arena tours and have made numerous television appearances - including a controversial, but award-winning return to BGT in 2021.

Last year, the group also launched their Diversity Studio, where people can sign up for membership to use the space and access live-streamed classes. 

Choreographer Ashley Banjo has carved out a successful solo career too, appearing as a judge on several shows including Dance Dance Dance, Got To Dance and currently Dancing On Ice. 

Spelbound - Gymnastic Troupe - Series 4 (2010)

The gymnastic troupe left the judges and audience literally spellbound thanks to their incredible routines and jaw-dropping stunts.

After beating Twist and Pulse in the final, Spelbound went on to release their own DVD and had the honour of performing at the London Olympics closing ceremony in 2012.

However, since their Royal Variety Performance that same year, Spelbound have largely faded from the public eye. 

The group did hot the headlines again in 2015 when coach Neil Griffiths was accused of mistreatment by parents of three children, however, he was since cleared and described the ordeal as '18 months of hell'. 

Jai McDowall - Singer - Series 5 (2011)

The Scottish singer stunned both the judges and the viewers when he beat favourite Ronan Parke to be crowned the series 5 winner. 

And while his performance of Bring Me To Life by Evanescence did impress, he didn't fare too well in his music career when his debut album only reached number 54 in the charts.

He was subsequently dropped from Simon Cowell's record label, with the music mogul later harshly admitting that he wished Jai hadn't have won the show. 

They later reunited on Britain's Got Talent: The Champions in 2019, where Simon gave a grovelling apology for not 'supporting' Jai in the past. 

Jai is still performing and has also turned his hand to theatre, having starred in the UK musical production of Come What May. 

Ashleigh and Pudsey - Performing Dog Act - Series 6 (2012)

Ashleigh and Pudsey's Mission Impossible-inspired routine won the hearts of the nation, with the duo going on to win the huge prize money and a spot on the Royal Variety Performance. 

Their success saw them bag their very own film, Pudsey the Dog: The Movie, with former judge David Walliams voicing Pudsey.

After numerous TV shows and live appearances, a devastated Ashley announced in July 2017 that her beloved pet dog had died aged 11 after a leukaemia diagnosis.

Later that year, Ashleigh introduced her new dog Sully, with the two going on to have success together, even triumphing at Crufts in 2023. 

Ashleigh, who has also dabbled in Panto, has gone on to become an award-winning dog trainer and in March this year revealed that she and Sully have made the GB Agility Team 2023. 

Attraction - Shadow Theatre - Series 7 (2013)

The Hungarian shadow artist group made history as the first foreign act to triumph on the show. 

After winning the programme, the group went on to star in a live TV advert and several live theatre productions including a stint in Las Vegas.

Last year they stunned as they made a return to BGT nine years after their success, this time with a new generation of dancers which included some of their children. 

Leader of the original group Szűcs Zoltán was back to coach Attraction Juniors, but despite them leaving everyone in tears

read more from dailymail.....