Teenage singing duo Jonathan and Charlotte, who learned their craft in a Chigwell school, have come second in tonight’s Britain’s Got Talent final.

Jonathan Antoine, 17, and Charlotte Jaconelli, 16, were the last of 11 acts to perform on the ITV1 talent show.

After the results were announced by presenters Ant and Dec, Charlotte said: “Oh my God we came second, out of 70,000 people. That’s incredible. It’s been absolutely amazing.”

After their emotional performance earlier, judge Simon Cowell said: “Unbelievable. It made me realise with you two, not only are you both talented but your loyalty and friendship is what’s made this act so special and you’re both lucky to have each other.”

Ashleigh and her dog Pudsey won the live final, winning �500,000 and the chance to perform for the Queen at the Royal Variety Performance later this year.

Jonathan and Charlotte were first paired together at West Hatch High School, in High Road, Chigwell.

They 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 Ginette Brown, who taught them for five years, said: “Their talent, work ethic and professionalism paid off and they are a credit to themselves, West Hatch and the music department.”

Popular band The Loveable Rogues, made up of Te Eugene, 18, of Ilford, Sonny Jay, 18, also a former West Hatch High School pupil of Chigwell and Eddie Brett, 20, of Chingford, also impressed the judges after performing one of their own songs tonight.

But they were unable to get enough votes to come in the top three.

The band have been together for two years and have performed at various concerts including a memorial for former West Hatch High teacher Anne Horne, after she died of cancer.