She was the bubbly organist who stole the hearts of Britain’s Got Talent judges and became a national treasure. Jean Martyn rose to fame in 2011 when she reached the final of the ITV talent show.
Jean, 70, had the time of his life and shone in the final, but sadly didn’t lose to singer Jai McDowall. Born in Lichfield and raised in Brownhills, she spent over 20 years in Brewood, near Wolverhampton – but has now moved to Blackpool to run her own hotel.
The Blackpool Jean Martyn Hotel has five stars on Google and Trip Advisor and has become a huge hit with guests including its fans. In addition to enjoying a break in the fun capital of the north, guests have the opportunity to attend a personal performance by Jean in a special and comfortable concert hall.
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Her new husband, Hans, will help her manage the hotel. She met him at a concert in Holland just before confinement.
Jean said: “I saw him across the room and he smiled at me and I smiled at him. We hit it off straight away and when the pandemic and lockdown hit I was stuck for 18 months in Holland. During that time I lived with Hans.” The couple married in March 2020 in Emmen in the Netherlands.
(Image: LancsLive)
During the pandemic, Jean streamed live for her fans every night, adding to her large global audience online. She says she has fond memories of Blackpool and performed at the famous Tower Ballroom, playing the famous Wurlitzer organ.
She first started a search for a house in the famous resort town. But when she missed out on a property she loved, she decided to buy a hotel instead.
(Image: LancsLive)
The new Jean Martyn Blackpool Hotel has 10 en-suite bedrooms and was previously known as the King Edward Hotel. Jean took it over and refurbished it last August.
Hans is a builder and currently works in Holland, but when he returns he will help his new wife run the business – which has its own mini concert hall.
Jean said: “As long as there are guests at the hotel and they want a show, I will play every night. I have people who have come to see me in concert and have booked to stay.
(Image: Talkback Thames, ITV)
“They have their own personal concert. It’s my passion and if that means playing every night for guests, then so be it. I’ve also asked guests to bring their own instruments to play. It’s so fun.”
Jean even gave our BirminghamLive reporter an impromptu performance via FaceTime with a lovely rendition of Procul Harum’s Whiter Shade Of Pale. She started playing the piano at the age of three and obtained a diploma in piano music at the age of 15 and a second for jazz at the age of 21.
Growing up, she lived in a post office and entertained customers by playing the piano in the back of the store while customers lined up for their stamps. Later, she became an elementary school teacher at a school in Cannock.
She retired at 55 and decided to have a shot at fame. Jean auditioned for Britain’s Got Talent at the National Exhibition Center in Birmingham, and her performance at her first live audition earned her a standing ovation.
(Image: LancsLive)
Michael McIntyre said she “rocked” the scene. Amanda Holden described her as “Victoria Wood on acid”. During the finale, flames erupted from the stage as she performed Great Balls of Fire by Jerry Lee Lewis.
During and after the show, Jean became a national treasure, known for her shimmering sequined jackets and feel-good performances on the organ. She then performed at the NIA in Birmingham as part of Britain’s Got Talent UK tour.
On her 60th birthday, she was about to take the stage at the O2 Arena in London when she heard the news of her mother’s death. Despite the tragic news, Simon Cowell told her to tell the audience what had happened and after everyone fell silent there was a huge round of applause.
After Britain’s Got Talent, Jean toured the concert scene, entertaining audiences across the UK, Europe, America and the Netherlands. She also performed at St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, a highlight being a performance for the Queen, Prince Charles and Prince Andrew at the 2018 Royal Windsor Horse Show. She also accompanied the late Dame Vera Lynn.
Jean, who celebrated his 40th birthday as a professional musician last year, added: “I have no intention of slowing down. I had so many wonderful memories playing in countries all over the world. BGT was definitely a highlight.
“The judges were brilliant. David Hasselhoff was appearing at the Grand Theater in Wolverhampton and asked me to come see him for a chat. He was lovely.
“I worked with Aled Jones on Songs of Praise for a Mother’s Day special and he stayed in touch. He’s such a lovely man. I have so many wonderful memories and hope to make many more. others in the future.”
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