A Barnoldswick entertainer has vowed to return next year after losing out on a place in the Britain’s Got Talent grand final.

Mark James, 30, failed to finish in the top three in last Thursday’s semi-final of the ITV show, despite receiving a standing ovation from the audience for singing both parts of Elton John and Kiki Dee’s smash-hit, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.

Mark, who works as an entertainment manager on ships, received positive comments from judges Amanda Holden and Piers Morgan, but was buzzed by Simon Cowell just seconds into his performance.

“It was a fantastic experience,” said Mark. “The audience were on their feet when I finished. It was a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.

“I’ve already started thinking about what I will do next year. I’m definitely going to come back with something else. I’ve had such an enjoyable and memorable time I can’t wait to do it all again.”

Mark was considering performing the Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton hit Islands in the Stream if he had reached the final, where he could have won a chance to appear in the Royal Variety Performance.

“To have reached the semi-finals was beyond my wildest dreams, I never imagined getting that far,” said Mark.