$1m prize for British ventriloquist

Paul Zerdin has won America's Got Talent – and its $1million prize.

The 43-year-old Londoner said he was 'totally speechless' to win the award. He added: 'It's surreal. I'm bowled over. Oh my god.'

Off-stage he added: 'I can't believe it, it's the most amazing feeling and I thank everyone for voting.'

After Zerdin's comedy ventriloquism performance, judge Howard Stern said: 'There's a reason Paul breezed through every single time he came on, because he is a master at what he does. He's taking the art of ventriloquism to new heights.'

Fellow judge Mel B added: 'You're a well polished act, you're flawless.'

Zerdin's prize also includes a headlining slot at a Las Vegas show

Fellow Brit Piff The Magic Dragon, the alter-ego of John van der Put, had also made it through to the final ten, as did Scot Stevie Starr, known as the Professional Regurgitator..

Zerdin is the second ventriloquist to win America's Got Talent after Terry Fator, who signed a reported $100million deal perform a Vegas show, where he still has a residency.

Fator joined Zerdin on stage for his performance on last night's results show:

And here's the moment Zerdin found out he'd won.

And here's Zerdin's performance in Tuesday night's final at the Radio City music hall in New York, where he made a small slip in calling his puppet Albert, 'Sam', his best-known character.

Zerdin is no stranger to talent shows as his first TV appearance was on The Big, Big, Talent Show presented by Jonathan Ross in 1996. He has appeared three times on the Royal Variety Performance, in 1999, 2002 and 2009.

Finally, here is Piff's performance in the America's Got Talent final:

Published: 17 Sep 2015