She was the public's 'outright favourite' and the 12-year-old even won over the notoriously harsh judge Simon Cowell.

But disappointed Faryl Smith was forced to drown her sorrows at the Britain's Got Talent's after party last night - with coca cola.

Surrounded by pints of beer and alcopops, the opera singer, who's been tipped as the next Charlotte Church, summoned an almost convincing smile for photographers as she sat alone.

Singing sensation: Britain's Got Talent contestant Faryl Smith has been tipped as the next Charlotte Church

Back to school: Britain's Got Talent Faryl Smith returns to school after the disappointment of not winning the show

At one point after the nail-biting final, Faryl and choirboy Andrew Johnston, who made the public's top three, gave each other a supportive hug.

But despite being topped by break-dancing youngster George Sampson at the last hurdle, teenage contestants Faryl and Andrew, 13, have a rosy future ahead.

While George has scooped the show's £100,000 prize and a chance to appear on the Royal Variety Performance, runners up Faryl and Andrew can also expect to become millionaires.

Thumbs up! Britain's Got Talent's runners up Faryl and Andrew smile for the camera despite their disappointment after breakdancer George Sampson won the talent contest last night

The show was watched by 14.4 million viewers compared to BBC's I'll Do Anything that was watched by 6.9 million viewers.

Faryl made such an impression on Simon Cowell with a stunning rendition of Ave Maria that he organised private lessons with X Factor tutor Yvie Burnett.

'When you enter a competition like this, you pray to find someone like you,' he gushed.

Before the hotly anticipated last episode, the 48-year-old named the five of the ten remaining groups he felt had the potential the win.

Along with George, Faryl and Andrew, he said the duo Signature and dog act Kate and Gin were still in with a chance.

Judges Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden wind down with a cigarette and some wine after the nail-biting final Britain's Got Talent episode last night

Family favourites Ant and Dec looked pleased with themselves as they arrive at the judge's drinks at the Dorchester

"I think it is going to be unbelievably close between them and they are the five we like the best too," he said.

Presenters Ant and Dec, who were forced to break bad news to last night's winner George in the preliminary stages of last year's contest, looked more than happy with the results.

The duo, who became household names after presenting Saturday morning SMTV Live and CD:UK with Cat Deeley, were laughing and smiling as they arrived at the Judge's Drinks at London's Dorchester Hotel.