Britain's Got Talent star Lee Ridley praises young comedian for VoiceBox success

Gregor Agnew, a Primary Six pupil from Dumfries and Galloway has caught the eye of Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley after finishing third in the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists’ VoiceBox joke-telling competition.

Both Lee and Gregor use Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices to communicate, and Lee, famously known as Lost Voice Guy, was quick to send Gregor a special well-done message following his success.

Gregor’s joke: “Why did the banana go to the doctor? Because he wasn’t ‘peeling’ well,” went down a storm with the judges and audience alike – leaving Lee to joke that the comedy up-and-comer might even do him out of a job!

Lee, who won Britain’s Got Talent in 2018, sent a personal message saying: “I just wanted to say well done for winning the prize at the VoiceBox 2024 final. Now I’m worried I might have some competition. Keep it up and I might even see you on Britain’s Got Talent one day.”

Gregor, a pupil at Lincluden Primary, was among 28 primary schoolchildren from across Scotland who had MSPs in stitches at the VoiceBox event, held earlier this month at the Scottish Parliament.

VoiceBox, organised by the Royal College of Speech and Language Therapists (RCSLT), showcased how essential communication is for a child’s development and the impact of speech and language therapy on their future. The event underscored the power of communication, early language development, and the importance of early intervention if children have difficulties communicating.

Ten-year-old Gordon Moodie from Cockenzie Primary School in East Lothian clinched the top spot with his joke: “Why did the donkey go to the shops? Cause he had hee haw in the hoose!”

Glenn Carter, Head of RCSLT Scotland, said: “Gregor’s success at the VoiceBox competition is a testament to the incredible potential of children with communication needs. It’s inspiring to see how young people like Gregor can express themselves and share their sense of humour. The VoiceBox competition goes beyond entertainment; it highlights the critical role of speech and language therapy in fostering communication skills. We’re thrilled to have hosted this event at the Scottish Parliament, and the enthusiastic support it received underscores the importance of nurturing communication in our young people.”