Britain's Got Talent star Susan Boyle received a standing ovation in Belfast last night as the hit ITV show's live tour rolled into town, writes Kirsten McAlpine.

There had been concerns that the 48-year-old singer from West Lothian, who hit the headlines after having to be treated for exhaustion at the Priory after the show's final, may not appear at the show, having already missed several dates on the tour already.

But Belfast fans were elated when she appeared on stage to sing 'I Dreamed A Dream' from Les Misérables and 'Memory' from Cats and rewarded her with a rapturous reception and a standing ovation.

Susan, who came second in the Britain's Got Talent, was joined on the line-up by her fellow finalists, which included the ever-popular father-and-son comedy dance duo Stavros Flately, young singer Shaheen Jafargholi, dancer Aidan Davis and second runner-up saxophonist Julian Smith.

The teenage girls in the audience, however, seemed most thrilled by the presence of 17-year-old singer Shaun Smith, whose performance was greeted by a chorus of excited screams, while dance troupes Flawless and Diversity - the show's winners - wowed the audience with their thrilling dance routines, with Flawless also being joined by last year's winner, George Sampson, for a terrific routine.

Singer Hollie Steel, who celebrated her 11th birthday yesterday, was treated to a rendition of Happy Birthday from the audience, led by fellow finalists grandfather and granddaughter singing duo 2 Grand.

Host Stephen Mulhern, presenter of ITV 2's Britain's Got More Talent, also had a few surprises up his sleeve, with a few extra special guests - the ever-popular DJ Talent made an appearance to lead the crowd in a rendition of his trademark rap, while Darth Jackson used the Force to deliver some Michael Jackson-inspired dance moves...

But it seemed that the night belonged to one lady - Belfast certainly loves SuBo!

See: Susan Boyle's Odyssey To Continue

(KMcA/BMcc)