Britain’s Got Talent winner Lee Ridley paid a special visit to Cheshire House in Inverness yesterday.
The 38-year-old stand-up comedian – better known as Lost Voice Guy- was diagnosed with cerebral palsy at just six months old and has never been able to speak, relying on a Stephen Hawking-style voice app to communicate.
Following a sold-out show at Eden Court on Tuesday – his first and only appearance in Inverness – he spent some time at the Leonard Cheshire home to answer the burning questions of its residents.
When asked about winning the popular talent show, he said “it felt really good and I couldn’t believe I had won” before admitting it was because of his friend that he started doing stand-up comedy.
However, when asked if he had ever been to Inverness before, the comedian admitted his performance marked his first.
He said: “I use to go to Aviemore on holiday with my family but I have never been this far north.”
He added: “It was nice to see the place, I was really impressed with how it’s set up. It feels like home so it was nice to see.
“I hope that they realise that I have a stupid job and that they should work harder to do something worthwhile.”
During his hour long visit, he was taken on a tour of the house before briefly sitting down with resident Andrew Grant, 27, from Ballindalloch who also suffers from speech impairment.
Mr Ridley shot to fame after winning Britain’s popular talent show last year, beating runner-up Robert White.
Since his triumph, he has gone on to diffuse the stigma surrounding disabilities shining a positive light on those affected by the condition.
He is currently embarking on his first UK wide tour supported by fellow Britain’s got talent contestant and singing guitar hero Jonny Awsum.
Jill Murray, volunteer coordinator at Cheshire House spoke of the positive message he has brought to the residents of the house who continue to look up to him.
She said: “I am so excited. Everyone has just been so excited since we knew they were coming. It’s such a positive message. Here’s a guy that can’t speak and does stand-up comedy. It shows anyone they can do anything they want.”
