**Britain’s Got Talent Finalist Acquitted of Rape Charges Speaks of ‘Rebuilding’ His Life After Five-Year Ordeal**
Andrew Johnston, who first captured public attention as a young singer on Britain’s Got Talent in 2008, has spoken out following his acquittal on serious sexual assault and rape charges. The 30-year-old described the immense strain the case has placed upon his life, remarking that he now faces the slow process of reconstructing a future after years clouded by accusation and uncertainty.
Johnston stood trial at Southwark Crown Court, where he faced allegations of raping and sexually assaulting two women. Throughout proceedings, Johnston maintained his innocence, rejecting the allegations in their entirety and asserting that both complainants had fabricated their stories. His legal battle reached a critical conclusion when a jury, comprised of nine women and three men, unanimously found him not guilty of all charges.
The conclusion of the trial brought visible relief to Johnston, who was seen emotional in the dock once the verdict was delivered. Addressing assembled reporters outside the courthouse, Johnston shared, “I’m just glad it’s over, it’s been super stressful. It’s been five years of this, people doubting me, and I’ve not been able to say anything for five years.” He reflected on the isolation brought about by his situation, adding that the verdict at last gave him the voice he had been denied for so long.
When questioned about his intentions going forward, Johnston made clear the toll the ordeal has exacted: “Get my life back. Slowly be rebuilding my life, because I’ve lost everything over this last five years.” The case has not only affected his personal well-being but also halted his singing career, with the court being told that he has not performed publicly since the accusations emerged.
The prosecution had claimed that Johnston engaged in non-consensual sexual acts and ignored requests to stop during intimate encounters with both women. The trial heard detailed testimony regarding these alleged incidents, which were said to have occurred years after Johnston’s rise to prominence as a teenage choirboy. In court, however, Johnston refuted any suggestion of aggression, describing his version of events as “fast, energetic, maybe a bit passionate” but always consensual, and insisting he always used protection.
The allegations against Johnston centred on claims that he had removed a condom without consent and disregarded repeated demands from one of the women to cease, in addition to another accusation involving unwanted physical contact during sex. The singer remained steadfast in his denial, and following the jury’s verdict, the court acknowledged the lack of evidence supporting the prosecution’s case.
Johnston’s entry into national consciousness came when, as a young boy from Cumbria with roots in Scotland, he became a finalist on the ITV talent competition. His emotional performances of “Pie Jesu” and Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven” won over not only audiences but also the likes of Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden. After the show, he went on tour and released an album that achieved notable commercial success, reaching number four in the UK charts. His record deal and burgeoning career were abruptly halted by both the criminal case and changes to his singing voice, necessitating a shift in his musical range.
The collapse of Johnston’s public career and personal life, as detailed in court, serves as a stark reminder of the profound impact such allegations—whether proven or not—can have on individuals at the centre of public scrutiny. His case illustrates wider questions about the legal process, media coverage, and how society responds to public figures accused of serious offences.
For now, Johnston says his immediate priorities are simple: privacy, recovery, and the hope of returning to some semblance of normalcy. “I just want to go home now and see my dog,” he concluded, capturing both the trauma of the past five years and the enduring desire for ordinary comforts amid extraordinary circumstances.
The entertainment industry, and those following Johnston’s career, will no doubt be observing how he chooses to move forward. His story is likely to prompt ongoing debate about fame, justice, and resilience in an era where personal and public lives so often collide.