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Ipswich mother Nicki Durbin says she hopes Missing People’s Choir will win Britain’s Got Talent
Family picture of missing man Luke Durbin, left, with mum Nicki and sister Alicia in 1999. Picture: NEIL PUFFETT
The mother of missing Hollesley man Luke Durbin said she hopes the Missing People’s Choir will win Britain’s Got Talent while admitting their emotional performance gave her a lump in her throat.
The Missing People Choir during the audition stage for ITV1's talent show, Britain's Got Talent. Picture: TOM DYMOND/SYCO/THAMES - Credit: PA
Nicki Durbin joined the ensemble of missing people’s relatives last year after making a public plea for information on the tenth anniversary of her son’s disappearance.
The 48-year-old, who said she was unable to commit to performing on the hit ITV show herself, went to her mother’s house to watch her friends audition on Saturday night.
Performing to judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, the group sang a rendition of the 2016 charity single I Miss You.
Speaking last night, Nicki said: “This has had a phenomenal impact on the choir itself, and it has reached and touched so many people.
Luke Durbin's mother Nicki and Det Supt John Brocklebank. - Credit: Archant
“It went crazy on Twitter and I think that will really boost the profile of missing people and highlight how much of an issue it really is in this country.
“The group are just brilliant and I know how hard they have worked.
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She added: “I hope they go all the way as it was an incredibly moving performance.”
Nicki’s son Luke went missing on May 12, 2006 – the last known sighting of him was in Dogs Head Street, Ipswich, at 4am that day.
Last year the 48-year-old admitted she still believes someone in the area is withholding vital information about her son’s disappearance.
Detectives carrying out the joint Norfolk and Suffolk police investigation said they believe Luke, who was 19 when he went missing, was unlawfully killed.
Fellow choir member Peter Lawrence, father of chef Claudia Lawrence who has been missing for eight years, joined Nicki in urging viewers to carry the choir to victory – in the hope the £250,000 prize will help reunite their families.
Supported by Kate McCann, mother of Madeleine, the choir counts Rachel Elias, the sister of missing Manic Street Preachers guitarist Richey Edwards among its members.
Anyone with information relating to Luke’s disappearance or his whereabouts now should call police on 01473 782059.
Missed the Missing People’s Choir on Britain’s Got Talent? Catch up now by clicking here.
