27 August 2005
Mirror
Dot, 83, passes audition ..with a shopping trolleyBy Nicola Methven, Tv Editor
X FACTOR wannabe Dorothy Morrison wowed Simon Cowell - at the age of 83.
The wrinkly crooner shuffled into the audition pushing a SHOPPING TROLLEY.
But then she amazed normally acid-tongued judge Simon with her rendition of the classic oldie As Time Goes By.
Tonight, millions will see her sail through to the next stages of the ITV talent show. Frail Dot makes her entrance clinging to her trolley for support.
She can't quite see Simon or fellow judges Sharon Osbourne and Louis Walsh until host Kate Thornton points them out. "At last, my hero!" she says to Simon, explaining that her eyesight isn't too good.
He tells her to come closer, but she has trouble understanding because she is also a bit hard of hearing. After being impressed by her singing, Simon says: "You are a saucy little thing aren't you?"
Dot replies: "People say I look 20 years younger when I sing." Simon adds: "I'd say 40." The other judges agreed, despite ribbing Simon for being a "friend of Dorothy" - a euphemism for being gay.
Afterwards, delighted Dot, from Hyde in Cheshire, left chanting: "I am through! I am through!"
