JUDGES were unanimous that Dan was Stoke's Top Talent and had been the star of the show.

Comedian Nick Hancock said that he was delighted the debt collector had won. He also highlighted out the bond that had formed between all the finalists.

Nick said: "He is wonderful. I had seen him before when I was judging a heat and I thought he was really impressive. He was great and he's a lovely lad."

Waterworld owner Mo Chaudry said he had applied his business skills in looking for a unique selling point in the winner.

He said: "Dan was original. I have been looking for something unique all the way and this lad had originality. There was something about him that stood out from the rest."

Choreographer Nikki Wheeler said: "Dan is an absolute delight. He is a gentleman, a lovely boy, and all that he did was absolutely faultless tonight.

"I found it very hard not to score him top marks across the board.

"His performance was natural and it got the audience going. To do that with a song like his is absolutely incredible."

Sentinel assistant editor Martin Tideswell said he was already looking forward to unearthing more talent at next year's show.

He said: "I'm lucky enough to have been involved with Stoke's Top Talent from the initial concept through the first auditions, the heats and to the final. I don't think any of us could have predicted what a spectacular success it would be.

"The performances were staggering and I only wish we had five places in the pantomime to award because we've seen such a high standard of performance here tonight.

"I think we may have launched a lot of careers."