Northern Ireland

Ryan Tracey: Co Tyrone balloon modeller misses out on Britain's Got Talent final

Ryan Tracey equalled a Guinness World Record on Britain's Got Talent last night. Picture from ITV
Ryan Tracey equalled a Guinness World Record on Britain's Got Talent last night. Picture from ITV Ryan Tracey equalled a Guinness World Record on Britain's Got Talent last night. Picture from ITV

A CO Tyrone balloon modeller equalled a Guinness World Record during his performance on Britain's Got Talent last night.

Ryan Tracey (35), from Omagh but living in Beragh, made an impressive 13 models including a sword, dinosaur and dog - equalling the record for the most unique balloon models in 60 seconds - when he appeared in the semi-finals of the ITV talent show.

But despite his feat he failed to reach the finals.

Head judge Simon Cowell said Mr Tracey was just "three seconds away from making history there".

"I would love you to come back again," he said.

David Walliams said he could "barely watch, it was so dramatic".

"I never thought balloon modelling could be like that."

But judges Alesha Dixon and Amanda Holden said they felt he had gone as far as he could in the competition.

Ms Dixon said: "Ryan you're a lovely guy, clearly good at what you do, but for me this belongs at children's parties".

Ms Holden said although he was "absolutely brilliant, I think enough now".

Mr Tracey, who works for Fermanagh and Omagh District Council and hurls for Omagh St Enda's, previously smashed a world balloon modelling record on stage while blindfolded.

During an earlier appearance on the show he took just 61 seconds to create a balloon version of a snail, a flower, a dog, a caterpillar and a sword.

The father-of-five runs 'Duff Balloons', a balloon modelling company for children's parties and events.

The winner of Britain's Got Talent will claim £250,000 in prize money and a spot at the Royal Variety Show.