'If I could have performed for the Queen she would have loved it. I feel that Britain's Got Talent have missed out on the best opportunity they have ever had to get the Queen laughing.'

Lowestoft Journal: Britain's Got Talent star and Asda handyman,Jeffrey Drayton with his doll Chantelle.Britain's Got Talent star and Asda handyman,Jeffrey Drayton with his doll Chantelle. (Image: (C) Archant 2015)

That is the view of Asda handyman Jeffrey Drayton, 73, who has been reflecting on achieving national stardom after reaching the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent alongside his popular side-kick Chantel.

Mr Drayton, who lives in Hopton, finished eighth out of the nine acts taking part in his live semi-final.

But, buoyed by his experience, he has described how he is now regularly approached for pictures and autographs.

After his successful first performance, Mr Drayton had to wait a couple of weeks before finding out he had been chosen for the live shows.

'To be able to stand up there and perform live meant that I couldn't make a mistake because there is lots of money spent on the production,' Mr Drayton said.

'The support was unbelievable and I wanted to do my best to make people laugh. I only got two minutes but I didn't rush it, once you are out there you cannot turn back.'

Mr Drayton had planned a big finale for the live final and possibly for his appearance at the Royal Variety Show, but plans were scuppered when he did not receive enough public votes.

'Obviously I was going to use the cannon and I was going to go even bigger by incorporating a helicopter and sing a song about Chantel,' Mr Drayton added.

'People have missed out and there is no way the Queen would have stopped laughing.

'Simon Cowell seems to think she is posh and she is not meant to laugh and she can only clap and be amazed but she would have absolutely loved it.

'I had even written a script for the Queen.'

What did you think of Mr Drayton's act? Email joe.randlesome@archant.co.uk