A TOUR across the UK, a possible record deal and a lot more singing are all a part of little Hollie Steel’s future.
The Huncoat youngster captured the nation’s heart when she broke down in tears in front of a live TV audience during last Friday’s semi-final on Britain’s Got Talent.
But on Monday, the 10-year-old was given a hero’s welcome when she returned to Oakhill College, in Whalley, and got back into her normal routine in Hyndburn.
Mum Nina, 37, said: "We are all coming down from everything.
"It has been an amazing experience for Hollie. She has gone back to school.
"Next week she begins rehearsals for the Britain’s Got Talent tour. When she is on tour, they provide a tutor but we are at a time in the school year when there isn‘t as much pressure. She should be able to balance all of it."
Following Hollie’s stage ordeal, critics slammed the show’s producers for allowing young child performers to appear on the show.
But Nina defended her decision to let Hollie perform.
She said: "After her first performance she was really, really distressed. I took her off stage and some of the crew helped calm her down.
"I don’t know how she got up the nerve again. She was still really upset but wanted to go on. Simon came backstage and spoke to us to make sure she was okay. He gave her a little peck on the cheek as encouragement."
Hollie got through her second performance and sung her way into the final where she performed Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again from Phantom of the Opera.
Nina added: "We went into Saturday night with complete confidence. Hollie dreamed of singing that song in front of an audience. We spent all of Saturday keeping her calm."
Hollie, who also lives with dad Jason and brother Joshua, 15, said: "Simon was really nice to me. He gave me a chance and I am glad. Saturday night went really, really well.
"I am really looking forward to the tour. I don‘t know what songs I will be singing but hopefully they will be big ones."
The final was won by dance act Diversity, who beat the favourite, Scottish singer Susan Boyle, to the top prize of £100,000 and the chance to perform in front of the Queen at the Royal Variety Show.
Even though she didn’t win the contest, Hollie is still a star in the making.
Her mum added: "This is Hollie’s dream. She loves performing."
