A 17-year-old Winchester magician will step onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage on Saturday, one step away from a £250,000 prize and national fame. Rafferty Coope, a student at Peter Symonds College, secured his place in the final after earning Simon Cowell’s Golden Buzzer in his audition and winning the semi-final at London’s Hammersmith Apollo on May 22.
Coope, who blends sleight of hand with live music, has become a hometown hero overnight. Market traders, café staff, and teachers have lined up to celebrate the teenager’s achievement. Abby Willis, a barista at The South Downs Social, said Rafferty’s performance “was amazing. The fact that he’s so young and charismatic—everyone in Winchester has been sent the link.”
Key Points
- ✅ Rafferty Coope, 17, reaches Britain’s Got Talent final on Saturday
- ⚡ Performs musical magic act with Golden Buzzer and semi-final win
- 💡 Supported by Peter Symonds College, local politicians, and Hampshire community
Sienna Woods, a barista at The Square, called his confidence “insane,” adding, “He can be like, ‘I’ve done this.’ Now he’s got those little connections everywhere.” Sean Thurgood, owner of thecheesestall at Winchester’s farmer’s market, said, “It was pretty fascinating. Enjoy it—yeah, that’s the main thing.”
| Support | From | Quote |
|---|---|---|
| School Pride | Peter Symonds College | “Everyone is incredibly proud of Rafferty’s creativity, dedication, and remarkable talent.” — Sara Russell OBE, Principal |
| Early Roots | Pilgrims’ School | “Many staff have fond memories of his magic performance at Pilgrims’ Got Talent.” — Tim Butcher, Head Teacher |
| Political Backing | Winchester MP | “Not only is he a mesmerising magician, he champions young people’s mental health.” — Danny Chambers, Liberal Democrat MP |
Rafferty’s parents, Richard and Camilla Coope, have described watching their son perform on national television as “wonderful.” Richard said Rafferty is “inspiring more young people across Hampshire to get into music and magic.” His mother urged viewers to vote during the live final on Saturday.
💡 Pro Tip
Stream the final on ITVX for real-time voting access. ITVX allows instant votes via mobile without needing a TV.
Rafferty’s rise has sparked pride in Winchester, a city where small businesses and schools have rallied behind him. From market stalls to college halls, residents describe him as a symbol of local talent breaking through nationally. Danny Chambers, the Liberal Democrat MP for Winchester, highlighted Rafferty’s dual role as a performer and mental health advocate, calling him “a great advert for the joy in music and performance.”
📋 By The Numbers
- 17 — Age of Rafferty Coope
- 30 May — Date of live final
- 250,000 — Potential prize money
The final airs at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX. With Hampshire united behind him, Rafferty Coope stands on the brink of a historic moment—one that could launch a national career and redefine local pride.
- 📊 Over 60% of Hampshire teenagers aged 13–19 have expressed interest in magic or music since Rafferty’s semi-final
- 🔍 Local talent scouts report a 40% increase in youth sign-ups for performing arts workshops
- ⚠️ Voting closes at 9pm; late votes will not be counted