A singer who began her career as a teenager busking on the streets of Cardiff has been crowned winner of The Voice UK.
Cate McHugh, from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, appeared stunned when she heard her name announced on the ITV show, telling viewers “I did it” when asked how she was feeling.
The performer, who has a degenerative sight condition which has left her registered blind, was given a congratulatory hug by her coach Sir Tom Jones on his final appearance on the show after previously announcing he had been “fired”.
Speaking after the show, McHugh, 31, said: “I won The Voice! I’m entirely gobsmacked and absolutely haven’t fully processed this information just yet.”
Footage shared by McHugh on social media showed her laughing and smiling with family and friends screaming in delight as they celebrated her victory at a watch party in Cardiff.
McHugh’s prizes include a £50,000 cash prize and a recording contract, with her first ever single, a cover of The Beatles classic Blackbird, now released.
Posting on social media, she said: “From the bottom of my heart I want to say THANK YOU for following my journey, and joining my world! This is where it’s going to REALLY get fun!”