When 79-year-old Paddy Jones and her much-younger dance partner Nicko Espinosa walked onto the Britain’s Got Talent stage in 2014, no one expected anything unusual. Paddy, dressed in sparkles with a sweet smile, looked like she might do a soft ballroom routine—maybe a few simple steps, a twirl or two, and some polite applause.
But then the music shifted.
And everything changed.
What followed became one of the most surprising and heartwarming moments in BGT history—an electric salsa performance full of energy, flips, and bold moves. It stunned the entire room and earned Amanda Holden’s Golden Buzzer—the very first in the show’s history.
Who Is Paddy Jones?
Paddy’s story is inspiring. She started dancing at just 2 years old in the UK but gave it up in her 20s to raise a family. Years later, after losing her husband, she moved to Spain and joined a local salsa class—just to stay active. That’s where she met Nicko Espinosa, a professional dance instructor 40+ years younger.
Their connection was instant. Age didn’t matter. Their chemistry, trust, and love for dance did.
The two began training together and entered competitions across the world. In 2009, they won a Spanish talent show (Tú Sí Que Vales), but it was their performance on Britain’s Got Talent that captured hearts everywhere.
He Hit the Red Button Too Soon… But Everything Was Just Getting Started
Their audition began slowly—with simple, old-fashioned ballroom steps. Judge Simon Cowell looked bored. Just seconds in, he pressed his red buzzer, thinking it was going to stay dull.
But he had no idea what was coming next.
As the music changed to salsa, Paddy looked straight at Simon—and then everything lit up. Suddenly, she was spinning, flipping, and moving with wild energy and fearless confidence. At nearly 80 years old, she was dancing harder and braver than most people half her age.
Nicko lifted her high in the air, and the two of them moved with pure joy and total trust. The crowd exploded with cheers, and Simon’s face changed instantly—from doubt to pure shock.
Amanda Holden couldn’t believe what she was seeing. She stood up and hit the Golden Buzzer, sending gold confetti raining down while the audience gave a loud, emotional standing ovation.
It was bold. It was powerful. And it was completely unforgettable.
Since then, their audition video has been viewed over 96 million times on YouTube, and short clips continue to go viral on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook, proving just how timeless this moment truly is.
Why It Touched So Many Hearts
This performance wasn’t just about dance—it was a message to the world.
You’re never too old to follow your passion.
Paddy didn’t just perform—she owned the stage. Her courage and energy proved that age is just a number, and that life doesn’t stop when you get older. It can still surprise you. And you can still surprise everyone else.
After the audition, things got tough. Paddy cracked a rib during rehearsals for the semi-finals and had to step back for a short time. Many feared it was over.
But she didn’t give up. Once cleared by doctors, she returned—stronger than ever—and danced her way to the grand finals, where she and Nicko finished in the top 10.
Back on Stage: Champions Edition
In 2019, Paddy & Nicko came back for Britain’s Got Talent: The Champions. They still had the spark—and even more love from the crowd. This time, it was David Walliams who gave them a second Golden Buzzer, calling their act:
“One of the most joyful, beautiful, life-affirming acts I’ve ever seen.”
Years later, their performance still touches hearts around the world. It’s been shared millions of times, with people young and old saying it gives them hope, joy, and goosebumps.
Paddy & Nicko didn’t just dance. They told a story about courage, second chances, and living fully—no matter your age.