Northumberland farmer leads choir set up by Jeremy Clarkson to talent show success

Katryna Shell, 37, who farms with her family near Alnwick, traded rural life for the bright lights of national television as a member of the Hawkstone Farmers Choir. The group, set up by Jeremy Clarkson, recently auditioned for the 19th series of Britain's Got Talent with a mission to champion British agriculture and raise awareness for mental health. Filmed in front of judges Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and new additions KSI and Stacey Dooley, the audition saw Katryna thrust into a pivotal role. With just five minutes' notice before stepping onto the stage, she was asked to act as the lead spokesperson, addressing the celebrity panel and the live audience on behalf of the 40-strong choir. The episode, which aired on ITV1 on Saturday, February 21, saw the group secure Amanda Holden's golden buzzer which sends them straight to the semi-finals. Katryna described the experience as a whirlwind, representing a community that is often overlooked on a massive public stage. She added: "The choir has turned into something so much more than singing. We have come together as a community, something I didn't even anticipate. "The choir is filled with all sorts of people with varying ages, singing experience, parts of the country but we all have farming linking us together - it's like nothing I've ever experienced before." Katryna's daily life reflects the varied reality of rural living. From tractor work and delivering meals out to the fields to chasing escapee sheep and raising the next generation of farmers, her time is shared between farming life, family, and running her own business ventures. She has also built and managed a successful glamping and camping business and is an advocate for the role of women in agriculture and rural enterprise. While the performance provided a high-profile platform, the heart of the project remains the mental health of the farming community. Members of the choir have described the group as a 'genuine lifesaver' and a 'breath of fresh air' from the isolation often felt in the industry. "Surrounding yourself with like-minded people and laughter in what can be a very serious and stressful world is incredible," Katryna said. "The choir has created a real support network for people working in agriculture."