BGT Child Star Bessie Cursons Transformed Nearly Two Decades After Paul Potts Defeat
Britain's Got Talent has launched countless careers since its debut 19 years ago, with winners like Diversity, Collabro, and Paul Potts becoming household names. However, the show's legacy extends far beyond its champions, as evidenced by the remarkable journey of Bessie Cursons, a child star who faced off against Potts in 2007 and has since carved out a successful path in entertainment.
A Star-Making Turn on the BGT Stage
In 2007, a young Bessie Cursons from Portsmouth captivated the Britain's Got Talent judges with her polished performance of Wouldn't It Be Loverly from My Fair Lady. Piers Morgan praised her as 'charming' and predicted a future in the West End, while Simon Cowell hailed her audition as the most refined he had seen in the competition. Bessie advanced to the semi-finals, where she delivered a spirited rendition of Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious from Mary Poppins, before returning to My Fair Lady for the finals with Get Me To The Church On Time. Despite her talent, she was ultimately beaten by opera singer Paul Potts, who went on to win the series.
Thriving Career Beyond the Talent Show Spotlight
Undeterred by the loss, Bessie Cursons has built a diverse and flourishing career in showbiz over the past two decades. Her credits include a role in the film Nativity! alongside Alan Carr and Martin Freeman, a West End appearance in Oliver! with Rowan Atkinson, and the lead part in CITV's My Phone Genie. In 2016, she featured in the BBC drama Casualty, sharing scenes with Hannah Spearritt of S Club 7. Now aged 30, Bessie is barely recognisable from her child star days, having matured into a seasoned performer and entrepreneur.
Leading a Theatre Academy in Her Hometown
Bessie has returned to her roots in Portsmouth, where she serves as Principal of The Bessie Cursons Theatre and Dance Academy. The academy offers a wide range of classes, including Ballet, Tap, Modern, Acrobatic Arts, Street, Commercial, and Musical Theatre, nurturing young talent in the local area. It regularly showcases the work of its students, with Bessie recently launching ticket sales for the 2026 show, A Celebration of Musicals. This venture highlights her commitment to fostering the next generation of performers, blending her professional experience with a passion for education.
Personal Milestones and Family Life
On a personal note, Bessie married Ashley Carter in July 2021, and the couple welcomed their baby daughter in December 2022. She frequently updates her followers on Instagram, where she has just 888 followers, sharing glimpses of family life. Recent posts from the Christmas season featured Bessie and Ashley posing with their adorable little girl, underscoring her balanced approach to career and family. Her journey from BGT contestant to academy principal and mother exemplifies a resilient and multifaceted life beyond the early fame of reality television.
