Ealing really does have talent

The winners of the first Ealing Has Talent competition have been announced - with some impressive prizes dished out for the fantastic acts.

Louise Benjamin scooped the top prize on Saturday. She dazzled audience members and judges alike with her rendition of Hallelujah by Leonard Cohen, the song that helped to propel The X Factor winner Alexandra Burke to success last year.

She said: "I'm so happy to have won the competition. I was so surprised when they called my name as there were so many other really good acts, so when they called me I just couldn't believe it!"

In August, the Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre launched Ealing Has Talent in a bid to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care's Ealing Nurse Appeal.

After receiving countless applications and viewing 100 auditions, the judges shortlisted their top 12 acts, who performed at the finals.

The day saw crowds gather at Karma nightclub at Ealing Broadway Shopping Centre, where the 12 finalists competed for a top prize of £500 in cash.

Susie Griffin finished in second place and her prizes include £100 Tesco vouchers, day passes to virgin active and £50 and Olivia Bonas vouchers.

Lauren Machel came in third with It's My Time by Jade Ewan. Lauren won a pampering day for herself and three friends, courtesy of Benefit make-up, and a fragrance from Superdrug.

The contestants performed in front of a five strong panel of judges including Dean Coulston, manager of N Dubz, celebrity chef Paul Merrett, Gary Webster, Kelly Clark from Ealing Broadway shopping centre and Claire Moss from Marie Curie Cancer care.

Presenter DJ drapes and Lauren V, from West side radio, hosted the event and Mary
Curie Cancer care held a raffle, with prizes include a digital camera, paintballing for eight and an artistic day out.

It's time to get your skates on and prove Ealing's got talent

Can you hold a tune? Maybe you have some crazy dance moves? Or a few magical tricks up your sleeve? If so, why not show them off at Ealing Broadway shopping centre.

You hidden talent could wind you a £500 cash prize and help to support a great cause. This autumn one of West London's favourite shopping hubs is joining forces with the Gazette, karma nightclub and virgin active to present Ealing has talent, an exciting contest that will give people in the bar a unique opportunity to strut their stuff.

There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs, as well as a chance to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care. If you would like to take part, you need to send an audition application either direct to the centre or online at www.EalingBroadwayshopping.co.uk. From the forms received, 100 solo and group acts will be invited to audition on Saturday October 10th or Sunday, October 11th  at the shopping centre.

A grand final will be held at karma nightclub on Saturday, October 31st in front of a judging panel. It will be headed by celebrity chef Paul Merritt, celebrity agent Jonathan Shalit and soap star Gary Webster.

The closing date for sending in applications is Thursday, September 24th to get your skates on and prove that you definitely has more than its fair share of talent.

Send your applications to, Ian has talent, management suite, 101 Ealing Broadway Centre, the Broadway, Ealing W5 5JY. You can also apply at www.EalingBroadwayshopping.co.uk