The voice of a beauty therapist from Harpenden was described as "liquid gold" during her audition for the hit TV show Britain’s Got Talent.

Alice Fredenham wowed judges during her performance of My Funny Valentine in the first set of open auditions on Saturday night.

Before taking to the stage the 28-year-old, who works at Ginger and Lime in Hatfield Road, admitted she has been secretly singing since she was a little girl but has never had the confidence to perform publically.

Ms Fredanham, who auditioned for the BBC’s show The Voice last year but was unsuccessful, said: "I’ve got to an age where I’m like I want to do this.

"Stage fright is something I have battled with. I’m just taking each minute as it comes.

"I didn’t tell anyone because I thought I would rather go it alone and then if I’m not successful I don’t have to admit it to anyone. I didn’t want to let anyone down."

Her rendition of song, which originally featured in the 1937 musical Babes in Arms, earned her a standing ovation from the audience and the panel of judges.

Simon Cowell said: "Oh my God. This is what I have been waiting for.

"Your voice is like liquid gold.

"You have an authentically beautiful voice and you look amazing.

"I absolutely love you and I love that you don’t know how good you are.

Amanda Holden added: "That was the most memorising, sexy performance and I fell in love with you."

Comedian David Walliams asked the singer, who began crying at the judges’ comments, why she was upset.

He said: "When you sing you’re like a goddess. It’s incredible. It’s world class.

"I can’t wait to hear you sing again.

He went on to joke that presenter Declan Donnelly, who bought her on a tissue, fancied her.

Ms Fredenham received four yeses and has made it through to the next round of live shows.

Mr Cowell said: "I want to remember this name and the day that I met Alice Fredenham because I think you’re so special.

"This is the easiest yes I’ve given throughout the whole competition."

Following the show’s airing on Saturday night Ms Fredenham appeared on ITV’s Daybreak this morning.

During the show she said: "Everybody has sent me such amazing messages on Facebook and Twitter. It is unbelievable.

"It is like a dream come true but it is literally like a dream. It is very surreal.

"My whole town is really happy for me."