Last night’s after-party was a strictly invite only bash. The great and the good from the British entertainment world were present, and boy, weren’t we glad of our access all areas pass.

The second semi final seemed to have it all: we felt the attitude of the streets from Flava, beheld the unbelievable cuteness of the Cheeky Monkeys, and had our hearts swell and our eyes fill at the angelic tones of Andrew Johnston’s voice. How can an evening like that possibly get any better? Two words: Chesney and Hawkes.

Before the after-party got into full swing we caught up with the man in question, the One and Only, Chesney Hawkes, and asked him why he thought Britain’s Got Talent was such a popular show.

“People love variety” the cult hero explained: “Where else in the world are you able to see a choir boy like Andrew, up against a dancing dog that walks backwards!”

Chesney, appearing on Britain’s Got More Talent to sing a duet with lifelong fan, Owen, is no stranger to the talent show format having come second place on Sky’s Search For A Star when he was 14.

“If I was starting out again, I’d definitely consider going in for a show like Britain’s Got Talent. I remember that show being a lot of fun to make but I think I got beaten by a comedian in the end… not sure what happened to him!”

“Suzi Quattro was one of the judges on my show and I’d definitely think about being a judge for Britain’s Got Talent… I could be Mr Nice Guy!”

But Chesney, could you cry as much as Amanda?

“Of I course I could!” He smiled: “I am an actor too you know!”

Chesney’s new album Another Fine Mess is out on sale now.