AN impressionist who has made a career out of making people laugh since entering a school talent contest at the age of 16 has wowed Simon Cowell after starring on Britain’s Got Talent.

Danny Posthill from Hartlepool scored four ‘yeses’ from the celebrity panel of judges with his comedy routine which included impersonations of stand-ups John Bishop and Michael McIntyre, former footballer David Beckham and Take That singer Gary Barlow.

His show-stopping act, which generated roars of laughter from the audience, propelled him to the next round following glowing comments from the judges.

Simon Cowell said: “I think you got a great reaction because the act was great, you’re funny. You’re good, I like you.”

David Walliams added: “What is there to say? It was brilliantly funny. It’s always nice to see impressionists do people that other people don’t do. I’m sure you’re going to do brilliantly."

The 28-year-old has performed all over the world around the Mediterranean and South America plus summer seasons for cruise liners and numerous cabaret dates for Haven, Warners and Pontins holiday parks.

He is also a seasoned pantomime actor and played Dame Dotty Durdan opposite John Altman, otherwise known as EastEnders’ 'Nasty Nick', in Jack in the Beanstalk at Middlesbrough Theatre last Christmas.

Mr Posthill, who has supported comedians Tim Vine, Bob Mills and Gary Delaney on tour said: “I started doing impressions when I was at Brierton School in Hartlepool.

“It can be hard, it can be a strain sometimes. You turn up and do a gig sometimes to people who aren’t interested. Sometimes you look in your wallet and see £20 left and you hope that it is going to get you back as well because someone won’t pay you because you’re not funny.

"I think this is probably one of the biggest moments of my life,” he said.

Following the broadcast on the prime ITV show on Saturday night he added: “The feedback I’ve had has been amazing, I can’t believe it. I was performing in front of celebrities and that’s something I’ve never done before.

“I’ve had a few knocks along the way and it hasn’t always been easy but after the reaction I got at Britain’s Got Talent this I’m determined to go for it now.”