WIDNES schoolgirl Beau Dermott who swept the nation with her sensational performance on Britain’s Got Talent has been branded a ‘potential winner’.

Simon Cowell claimed we had witnessed the birth of a star after the 12-year-old sang ‘Someone Like You’ from the musical Jekyll and Hyde in the fourth live semi final on Wednesday.

He said: “When I was sitting there watching you, it wasn’t the fact you’re a 12-year-old with a good voice.

“You’ve got an incredible voice. Your choice of songs is impeccable, your performance skills are sensational.

“I guarantee you in about five or 10 years time we’re all going to look back to this period when we first saw you and say: ‘This is the moment we discovered a star.’ I can feel it.”

Beau, from Cronton, is in London with her mum Karen, 44, dad Ian, 52, and brother Ben, 21, rehearsing for tomorrow’s live final.

In an exclusive interview today, her dad Ian said: “The whole thing has been fantastic.

“We came for a day and stayed for a week. We’ve had to nip out and buy some clothes.

“Beau absolutely stole the show. Her performance was world class.”

The song she will be singing is top secret.

“It is one of our favourites,” said Ian. “She absolutely loves singing and is going to give it her all.”

He has nothing but praise for the support Beau has received from everyone at the TV talent show.

“I can’t speak highly enough of the people at Britain’s Got Talent, the producers, crew, runners, everyone. They have been fantastic with us and Beau.

“The welfare of the children is paramount. Beau has her own chaperone who keeps a check of the time she spends in the studio. There is no exploitation whatsoever.”

All the acts, he said, get on very well with each other.

“All the contestants are fantastic,” he said. “There is no bitchiness. They are all very supportive of each other.”

Beau and her family want to thank everyone who voted for her.

“We have to thank the people of Widnes and the surrounding areas for voting for Beau,” added Ian.

“Your support is invaluable. One more time please if it is possible and who knows she could do it.

“We’ve watched Britain’s Got Talent for 10 years and now our little girl is taking part in the biggest talent competition in the universe.

“Wouldn’t it be something if she won it.”