AFTER Tuesday's impressive start, the second heat of this year's Stoke's Top Talent had a lot to live up to. Ten more acts, including singers, dancers and musicians, took to the stage last night leaving the judges with the unenviable task of choosing another two for Saturday's final.

A cash prize and professional paid contract in this year's pantomime awaits the weekend's winner, meaning nerves were running high backstage.

First up to impress theatre producer Kevin Wood, Sentinel assistant editor Martin Tideswell and guest judge Nick Hancock was dancing quartet Hex, who admitted that the competition was the first time they had performed together as a group. Aged 13 to 16, the youngsters showed little signs of inexperience as they performed to comfortable comments and confident applause.

Next to showcase their talent was Norman Tudor who, at 71, is the second eldest contestant in this year's competition. The tenor from Cheadle made a big impression on the audience who responded warmly to his rendition of I Dreamed A Dream from Les Miserables.

The Masque Theatre Company added something a little different to the night when they displayed a mixture of dance and sign language. The group from Newstead Day Service in Blurton, aged 20 to 45, had impressed judges during the audition stages with their enthusiasm and they didn't disappoint last night either.

Forty-four-year-old singer Karen Madejski and Kidsgrove singer, pianist and former contestant Chelsie Tyrrell were the last two acts of the first half. Both received promising comments from the panel but it was Chelsie who was noted as the best of the first five.

Excitement continued after the interval when young dance group Dolly Mix added their flavour to the night. Their energetic routine was swiftly followed by 14-year-old singer Jack Eagles, who made it into the final of last year's competition. The keen sportsman showed vast improvement as he created a stir with a performance of Take That's Rule The World.

The competition's only rap artist Blake was up next, owning the stage and audience with a solid Ice Ice Baby set that appeared to go down a storm.

Ten-year-old Meghan Rowe was the penultimate act of the night. Described as the 'little girl with the big voice' she confidently took to the stage to sing Tomorrow from the musical Annie, much to the judges' delight.

But it seems they saved best till last when singer Kerry Corden performed Fields Of Gold.

The 21-year-old was one of the two acts to make it through to Saturday’s final

after judges voted her one of the best of the night.

Joining her in the Grand

Final will be dance group Dolly Mix. The teenagers were the first to be voted

through after Nick Hancock praised their ability to work as a team.

Both finalists were a popular choice with the audience, although there's no doubt many would have felt the heartache of those who didn't make it.

As ever, local entertainer Jonathan Wilkes was on hand to congratulate the winners and commiserate with the losers, many who will be sure to make a reappearance in future years.

Last night's winners join the two successful acts from Tuesday, Joel Harper, aged 18, from Mow Cop, who sang Queen's Who Wants to Live Forever, and Jodie Bailey, aged 14, from Biddulph Park, who sang Somewhere Over The Rainbow.

Don't miss coverage of heat three in tomorrow's

Sentinel