by Nadia Sam-Daliri A stage school coach is celebrating after one of his students wowed the country with an incredible performance on Britain s Got Talent. Mark Jermin, who runs the Mark Jermin Stage School, in Claremont Road, Cricklewood

by Nadia Sam-Daliri

A stage school coach is celebrating after one of his students wowed the country with an incredible performance on Britain's Got Talent.

Mark Jermin, who runs the Mark Jermin Stage School, in Claremont Road, Cricklewood coaches Shaheen Jafargholi who has been tipped as a frontrunner to win the ITV Saturday night ratings-winner.

The talented 12-year-old, who left Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden dumbfounded after he belted out Michael Jackson hit Who's Loving You, has been attending classes with Mr Jermin for the past seven years.

After a hectic week organising interviews for Shaheen in national newspapers and even a satellite-link appearance on America's Larry King show, the proud coach said it has seemed 'there are not enough hours in the day'.

He added: "Shaheen is a great lad, really grounded and has a special talent. I have been chaperoning Shaheen and his mum Karen on radio and TV interviews. It's has bee a unique experience and very tiring but I have enjoyed every second. Shaheen has always been able to sing and as a stage school we teach and develop each child's talent; that's our aim."

Mr Jermin said he has been taking a constant stream of calls from TV stations and newspapers, all wanting a piece if the gifted youngster.

Shaheen said: "It's been hectic since the show but I've really enjoyed it. I do drama, singing and dancing classes and love it. I never miss a class and have loads of friends there."

A member of Mr Jermin's stage school branch in Swansea, South Wales, Shaheen is its most famous prot�g� but other youngsters have also made it into TV and film roles.

Young stars from the Cricklewood school have featured in films like Nanny McPhee 2, the Jack Black movie Gulliver Travels and TV programmes Eastenders and The Bill.

But Mr Jermin is pragmatic about the ones who will not hit the limelight.

He said: "We are always excited when new students join as we never know who is going to walk through the doors. But the aim is to build confidence and make friends. If children land professional opportunities, it's an added extra."

nadia.sam-daliri@archant.co.uk