Panto producer KEVIN WOOD: "There's more talent in Stoke-on-Trent than you can imagine. Is it only in Stoke, or if you scratch the service in any city would you find the same talent? I'm not sure. There's a passion and a desire in Stoke people to make something of themselves. I think the competition does a lot of good. We disappoint a lot of people, because there can only be one winner, but it unearths a lot of talent in all ages."

Entertainer PETE CONWAY, father of Potteries pop superstar Robbie Williams: "I think the competition has gone up a notch since last year. I think the standard has been higher. It has been so difficult to choose a winner. I'm sure many people in the audiences over the heats and final have disagreed with our decisions. I don't blame them – there has been many times when the judges have disagreed."

Show compere JONATHAN WILKES: "It's amazing. I think it has stepped up from 2008. Last year there was an obvious favourite – Dan Hewitt – and he won. This year it has been really difficult to call. I'm so proud of everyone. We have got such a talented city. I knew Stoke's Top Talent was going to be successful."

Sentinel assistant editor MARTIN TIDESWELL: "The standard is higher than last year. I think we are the only city that could do something like this. I think it is down to the community spirit we have. It makes me incredibly proud to come from the Potteries. It is a privilege to be involved in Stoke's Top Talent. It is exactly the kind of community event The Sentinel should be championing."

Fourteen-time world darts champion PHIL 'THE POWER' TAYLOR: "I've been loving it. It's not very often you get the chance to get to go to the cabaret. I'm amazed at how confident all the youngsters are. For me it's been very difficult to choose a winner, it has been a very tough choice between them all."

Choreographer NIKKI WHEELER: "It's unbelievable. The crowd has been fantastic, the atmosphere is electric, just like it was last year. The talent in Stoke-on-Trent is incredible. It is really lovely to see the acts progress and perform so well in front of the audience. I'm really proud of them all."

SUSIE AMY, who played Chardonnay in the cult TV drama Footballer's Wives: "Jonny asked me to judge one night and I've ended up doing three. I've really enjoyed it and the standard is so high. It is really lovely for people to showcase their talent. The people of Stoke-on-Trent are so friendly. You get a welcome like you don't get anywhere else in the country."