Bruno Tonioli was moved to tears during an upcoming episode of Britain's Got Talent, as he watched a stunning performance by a blind operatic duo.
The 68-year-old judge – who smashed his golden buzzer for dance act Ghetto Kids last month – was visibly emotional as he watched blind soprano Denise Leigh and pianist Stefan Andrusyschyn, both hailing from Stoke-on-Trent, perform.
The pair, who left both the audience and panel in awe with their incredible act, shared their unique story of how they met on a train 18 years ago when Stefan asked Denise for the time, unaware that she too was visually impaired.
Denise, 52, who has limited vision in her left eye, confessed: “I just thought 'Stop hitting on me!'”
However, upon exiting the train, Denise noticed Stefan also had a cane and realised: “Oh my God he is blind too.”
This chance encounter marked the beginning of their extraordinary journey together, which saw them reunite at a music gig they were both booked for. “I thought I won't tell him I'm the woman on the train because I was a bit rude to him,” Denise revealed.
Adding another layer to their emotional narrative, Denise disclosed that she was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2021 but received the all-clear before their audition, although the treatment altered her voice. “I'm having to rebuild it,” she shared.
Their rendition of Climb Every Mountain from The Sound of Music earned them a standing ovation, with Bruno rising to his feet, wiping away tears.
“I'm inspired by you, I've learnt something today about your positive state of mind. You are an example,” the judge said emotionally.
The couple's son Demetri, 11, was in the audience with their guide dog Tilly, alongside two of Denise's children from a previous relationship, Michael, 28, and Sam, 26.
The singer revealed she was "absolutely shaking by the time we'd finished" and she didn't notice Bruno burst out in tears until he started complimenting them.
“I'm really pleased I made a grown man cry!” Denise told joyfully.
As a new instalment of the talent series continues on Sunday night, 12 May, head judge Simon Cowell, who recently admitted that he is "determined" to bring back The X Factor, said he has already "worked out who will win" this series.
The TV mogul, 64, teased there is 'one person everyone gravitated towards' but judges managed to keep it tight-lipped.
“This year, when we were discussing the finals, we went round the room and said who we think might win and there was one person everyone gravitated towards,” he revealed.
