Last updated 21:00, Thursday, 29 May 2008

GIRL BAND Irresistible, featuring Workington woman Gemma Park, were knocked out of the semi-finals of ITV show Britain's Got Talent on Wednesday.

file pic of Gemma Park and file pic of mum Wendy Park By John Fuller

Despite being praised by the three judges - Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden - for their version of Christina Aguilera's recent hit Candyman, they were knocked out by the public vote.

Gemma, 22, who now lives in Newcastle and is a former pupil of St Joseph’s School, Workington, said: “Words can’t describe the experience.

“We performed to the best of our ability and we are disappointed not to have made the final, but we did our best and hopefully this will be the start of something for us.

“More than 14 million viewers watched us sing which is phenomenal for us. We wanted to show Britain that we have got talent and I think we did that.”

After the show Gemma's dad, John Park, 44, speaking from his Stainburn, Workington, home, said: “I am absolutely chuffed to bits for Gemma.

“They were unlucky not to get through but I'm still very proud of her. She definitely has talent, she’s a star."

Friends and family, including mum Wendy Park, who runs Workington's Laundry Studio, were in the TV studio supporting her.

Wendy, 43, of Meadow Vale, Seaton, said: “Watching Gemma sing on stage was a dream come true for me. She was fabulous and a total professional.

“Gemma has been singing since she was two and hopefully this will be her big break. She deserves it.

“Gemma and the other girls did themselves and their families proud.”

Irresistible were first on stage on the show, dressed in 1950s American naval uniform.

Gemma said: “We aim our music at the 1950s and 1960s because that’s the music we grew up listening to from our parents.”

Piers Morgan said he felt they had found the answer to boosting troop morale in Iraq.

Amanda Holden said they were “vocally spot on" and Simon Cowell said: “I'm a sucker for a girl in uniform.”

Amanda Holden and Simon Cowell went up to the three-girl group and apologised that they didn’t get through.

Gemma said: “The whole experience was amazing and the comments we got off the judges were brilliant.

“They came up to us after the show and Simon told us that we have a future in the business, and coming from him it means a lot to us.”

Irresistible appeared on GMTV yesterday morning and after the show were snapped up by a London talent agent, Creative Music.

Wendy had rallied support in Workington by distributing posters and fliers around town urging people to vote for Gemma.

Gemma said: “I want to thank everyone in Workington and West Cumbria for all the support they have given me.”

The viewing public phone vote was won by dancer George Sampson, and performance duo Strike also went through to tomorrow’s live final.