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Robbie owes stardom to Sinatra-mad grandad

Robbie Firmin with his grandad Jim, who first introduced him to Frank Sinatra’s songs.
Robbie Firmin with his grandad Jim, who first introduced him to Frank Sinatra’s songs.

Little Robbie Firmin has a very special supporter in his camp as he prepares for the next round of Britain's Got Talent - his grandad.

Medway's mini crooner will find out on Sunday if he is through to the live shows of the hit TV show.

Frank Sinatra singalike Robbie, seven, wowed the judges on the ITV programme last Saturday, getting a yes from Michael McIntyre, Amanda Holden and Louis Walsh.

He is now one of the bookies' favourites to win the national contest, with William Hill giving odds of 25/1.

Robbie, who won the Towns' own version of the competition Medway Has Talent last year, has been singing since he was a baby. He has inherited his love of Frank Sinatra from his grandad Jim Firmin and the pair practise singing together almost every day.

Robbie Firmin on Britain's Got Talent
Robbie Firmin on Britain's Got Talent

Jim, 55, who lives with Robbie in Walderslade Road, Chatham, said: "I've always loved Sinatra and all the old Rat Pack songs.

"We've got a karaoke machine at home so Robbie and I sing together. He heard me singing Frank Sinatra and said 'I like that one grandad'."

"We practise all the time. Robbie is very quick though. Within 10 days at most he's got the song.

"I wasn't able to get up to London for his audition so I was absolutely over the moon when I saw him on television. I was thrilled and so proud of him."

Robbie, who wants to be a singer when he grows up, is already a star in the making.

More than 500 people have 'liked' his Facebook page and the St Thomas More Primary School pupil has received dozens of messages on the social networking site.

Earlier this week he was interviewed on kmfm but Robbie is taking it all in his stride.

Mum Lisa, 30, said: "He will do an interview and then go back to playing like a normal little boy.

"All the other children have been going mad for him at school, crowding around him, but Robbie is fine with it."

Viewers will find out on Sunday if Robbie is through to the live shows, which begin on Monday.

If he has, it will be up to the public to vote to make sure he gets through to the grand final on Sunday, June 5.

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