A sensational solo singer from Brentford was the deserving winner of the 2015 Hounslow Has Talent finals on Saturday night (June 13).
School teacher Alicia Wilkins gave an outstanding performance of If I Were A Woman in front of a full house at the Paul Robeson Theatre, in Hounslow, and went straight to the top of the judging panel's list to be crowned winner and recipient of the £500 first prize.
The 30-year-old, who is a teacher at St Paul's CofE primary school, in Brentford, will also perform at a concert at Redlees Park in September, as part of the winners package.
Miss Wilkins, who said the win has inspired her to pursue her dream of singing, added: "It didn't really process through my mind that they were calling me as the winner.
"I was overwhelmed by the experience and was having such a nice time so when I was called it was a delayed response.
"From this experience it has put me out there again and I want to use the opportunity to pursue my dream - singing is my passion and dream!"
In second place, and scooping the £250 prize, was contemporary dancer Jessica Andrews, aged 15, from Feltham, who gave a dazzling performance combining dance and gymnastics, while singer Megan, 19, and guitarist Gary, 21, who work in Heston, scooped third place and £100 in Asda vouchers courtesy of the Hounslow store.
A special prize for music workshop was awarded to Our Barn, from Redlees Park, a group of young adult performers with learning difficulties and other disabilities, following their dance ensemble, and 79-year-old singer Brian Boot, from Hounslow, was once again a hit with the audience.
Other performances included solo singers Sophia Tang, 17, of Hanworth; Jade Foster, 14, from Feltham; and singer songwriter Hana Grant, 17, of Bedfont, and Judith Arkell, 62, of Hounslow.
Among the dancers were Inspire, a five-girl group from West Thames College; Indian hip-hop and bhangra fusion dancer Aditi, 11, from Isleworth; and young duo Trisha and Jayshree from Hounslow.
Once again this year's show was organised by MC on the night, Ray Coleman, secretary of Feltham Bees Disabled Sports Club, and the Feltham Arts team Ruth Wood and Charlotte Skinner.
Money was raised in aid of two charities: Hounslow Community Foodbox and London Wildlife Trust.
The show was opened by last year's fantastic winners, gymnasts Lauren, Lizzie and Addie, and there were special performances from The Voice of Highfields children of It's a Hard Knock Life and another by Society Dance crew and Danno Scordino with Visual Poeticz.
Of the 13 finalists, one contestant Vilma Missi, from Feltham, was injured during practice and could not take part.
The judging panel was made up of theatre school's legendary Babette Langford; actor, writer and producer Jonathan Ashby-Rock; and events manager Tamika Niles.
