Former 'Britain’s Got Talent' finalist acquitted of rape

Andrew Johnston, a former finalist on Britain’s Got Talent, broke down in tears as he was found not guilty of raping and assaulting two women during his time studying opera at the prestigious Royal Academy of Music.

The 30-year-old singer, who rose to fame in 2008 at just 13 years old with a powerful classical voice, had been facing two counts of rape and one of sexual assault at Southwark Crown Court in London.

The allegations stemmed from separate incidents in which two women accused him of removing a condom without their consent and using physical force during sex.

One woman told the court that Johnston pinned her down, grabbed her by the throat, and ignored her repeated pleas for him to stop.

She said she felt "frozen" and too scared to leave his home after the incident.

The second woman testified that Johnston took her to a sex club and similarly removed a condom without consent, again placing his hands around her neck despite her attempts to remove them.

Johnston firmly denied the accusations, describing his sexual behaviour as "fast, energetic, maybe a bit passionate," but insisted it was never aggressive or non-consensual.

He claimed the women had fabricated their stories.

After careful deliberation, the jury cleared Johnston of all charges.

Overwhelmed with emotion, he wept in the courtroom upon hearing the verdict.

Johnston first captured the nation’s heart with his appearance on Britain’s Got Talent, finishing third behind opera duo Signature and winner George Sampson.

His performance earned him a £1 million record deal with Simon Cowell’s Syco Music label, and his debut album One Voice reached number five on the UK Albums Chart.

Following the ordeal, Johnston revealed that the accusations had taken a deep toll on his life and career, saying he had not sung since the case began.

Now acquitted, Johnston hopes to begin rebuilding his life and reconnecting with the music that once brought him joy and fame.