HE captured the nation’s hearts as Lost Voice Guy and was crowned the winner of Britain’s Got Talent, but before comedian Lee Ridley performs for the Royal Family, he has a rather important engagement in the Scottish Borders this week.

The stand-up comedian, from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, who astounded Great Britain with his hilarious comedy despite having no speech, is to perform at West Linton’s Annual Comedy evening tomorrow (Thursday, June 7) at 7.30pm in the Marquee on the village's Lower Green.

The comedy evening is part of the Border village's annual Whipman Festival week.

Lee suffers from neurological condition cerebral palsy which means he can’t speak, and instead pre-records his routines and plays them via a voice synthesizer on a tablet.

The first comedian ever to win the talent show and scoop £250,000, plus a slot at the Royal Variety Performance, had the judges, audiences and the public in stiches with his self-deprecating brand of comedy, opening his performance with quips like – “I’m a struggling stand-up comedian who also struggles to stand up.”

Former Whipman Calum Murray said: “The Whipman Play Society is extremely excited to have Lee performing with us at our annual comedy evening, hosted by Over The Lynne Comedy Club.

“This event has gown each year and is one not to be missed during the Whipman week.

“As a fan of Britain’s Got Talent myself, this year was definitely one of the best, especially for comedians.

“It’s amazing for us to be able to have such a big name this year. Lee is an extraordinary character and an inspiration to many.

“A massive thanks goes to Joan Scott, aka Jeannie Jones for organising such a successful event year after year.

“The Whipman Play Society can’t wait to see Lee on stage”.

For more information, go to: http://whipman.com/whipman-2018/whipman-programme-2018/