Usually, I am not a big fan of the audition stages of reality shows. I love X-Factor when they’ve picked the final 12 and are doing live performances every week but I can’t bear the cringe level and the delusions of some of those who audition. So it has come as quite a surprise that I have found myself watching and enjoying Britain’s Got Talent which is still in the audition stage.

Although the acts are varied in contents, the common thread among those that impress the judges are where the participants not only have talent but have worked diligently to ensure the professionalism, polish and perfection of their offering. I’ve been particularly impressed by people who have failed in auditions or last years competitions but managed to secure themselves a second chance.

A couple of weeks ago there was young man of fourteen who was ousted prior to the semi-finals of last years show. He is a street dancer and has continued to work hard at his skills. His family has limited financial means so he has been performing as a busker in Manchester as practice and to raise money for further tuition and pay for his Mum’s petrol to take him to lessons. I was very struck by his mature dedication and was pleased that he sailed through this years audition with a bigger and better act than previously.

There was also another boy of eight who was a supremely confident young man who auditioned as a singer. Although he had ‘more front than Brighton’ he wasn’t the best singer and unfortunately the judges told him this. They also told him that he had amazing stage presence, that he was very funny and that he should re-audition as a comedian. So this young boy took all of this on board, worked out a new comedy act, travelled all the way from Blackpool to London and had another go – and he was brilliant. In the time between auditions he must have worked so hard to come up with comedic material and practise it. What amazing dedication and confidence from one so young!

I hope that I too can employ this level of dedication to polish and perfect my creative offerings.