By Pam McClounie

Last updated 05:36, Friday, 06 June 2008

BRITAIN’S Got Talent runner-up Andrew Johnston is being taught by a private tutor while he tours the country with other finalists from the hit show.

Growing in confidence: Andrew Johnston, 13, has been off Trinity School while preparing for the 13-date UK tour of Britain’s Got Talent. The show, involving all the finalists, begins tonight in London. They will be appearing at Newcastle City Hall on June 20 and June 23

Chorister Andrew, 13, of Stanwix, Carlisle, came third after a public vote in Saturday night’s live final after singing Pie Jesu. The head chorister at Carlisle Cathedral has been off school while he prepares for the 13-date UK tour which begins tonight at London’s Hammersmith Apollo.

His proud mum, Morag Brannock, said: “We’ve not been back home since Andrew has been on the show.

“He’s about to start the UK tour and has been busy rehearsing for that all week with the other finalists.

“He’s got a private tutor to help him with his studies as we travel around the country and that’s important because he is missing school.”

Morag has also had to take all of her holidays in one go to support Andrew on the tour.

“It’s hard because I am a single parent and I still have the rent to pay.

“I just want to do what’s best for Andrew and be there for him,” said Morag, who works as a researcher for the Office of National Statistics.

Since he first featured on the show Andrew, who attends Trinity School, has grown in confidence.

Morag said: “The Andrew that people see on television now is the Andrew that his family know. His confidence has soared. When Andrew first appeared on the show he was very nervous. He’d never held a microphone in his hand, yet alone performed in front of 2,500 people. No wonder he was nervous.

“He’s got a new confidence now and he’s a different lad. It’s almost as if the pressure is off and he’s able to relax a bit and enjoy himself. He is really good friends with George Sampson [who won the competition]. The pair of them are as thick as thieves.

“The tour is going to be really good because Andrew will get to perform for longer – he’s not restricted to the show’s time constraints.”

Andrew will star alongside George and other finalists including dancing sensation Signature, singer Faryl Smith, Kate and Gin the dancing dog, dancers The Cheeky Monkeys, martial arts experts Strike, singer Andrew Muir, classical music quartet Escala and hip hop dance crew Nemisis.

The tour also takes in cities including Newcastle, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and Glasgow.

To buy tickets, which cost between £29.50 and £32.50, phone 08700 112626 or log onto www. ticketzone.co.uk.

The dates are: Hammersmith Apollo tonight; Bournemouth BIC tomorrow ; Liverpool Arena on Sunday; Brighton Centre, Monday June 9; Manchester Apollo, June 12 and 13; Sheffield Arena, June 14; Nottingham’s Trent FM Arena, June 15; Birmingham NIA on June 16; Cardiff CIA, June 17; Glasgow Clyde Auditorium, June 19; Newcastle City Hall, June 20 and June 23;Aberdeen ECC, June 21; Edinburgh Playhouse, June 22. All shows start at 7.30pm and there are also 2.30pm matinees at Bournemouth and Edinburgh.