A Britain’s Got Talent duo who started their careers at a Chigwell school and became reality show sensations overnight, are through to the live final on Saturday.

Current show favourites Jonathan Antoine, 17, and Charlotte Jaconelli, 16, gained the most public votes last night after their rendition of opera classic Caruso.

The teenagers, who attended West Hatch High School in High Road before leaving to focus on their singing, received a standing ovation from the judges.

Millions of viewers saw Simon Cowell describe tenor Jonathan as “unbelievable” after his first audition, and last night the praise continued.

He said: “I understand the chemistry between the two of you, Charlotte you sang really well and it was one of my favourite Britain’s Got Talent performances.”

The talented double act first performed together at their school’s end-of-year concert last year and a sports ball to raise money for new sporting facilities.

Head of music at the school Ginette Brown, who taught the pair for five years, said: “Both Jonathan and Charlotte are exceptionally talented performers who have beautiful voices and great careers ahead of them.

“I and everyone associated with West Hatch High School is immensely proud of both Jonathan and Charlotte and we wish them all the best in the next stage of the competition.”