Cate McHugh has been crowned the winner of The Voice UK after progressing from teenage busking in Cardiff to the final of the singing competition, where she was mentored by Sir Tom Jones.

The 32-year-old singer, from Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, said Jones was warm and supportive throughout the show. His main advice was to concentrate on the story within each song whenever rehearsals became overwhelming and to remain true to the performance.

McHugh said she felt peaceful before the result was announced because she was already happy with her journey through the competition. When she felt confetti land on her shoulder, she opened her eyes and realised her name had been called.

She dedicated her success to her family, including her husband Nathan, her six-year-old daughter and her 16-year-old stepson, saying their love and support had helped her throughout the series and the final.

McHugh began singing as a child and started busking in Cardiff at the age of 15. She said her parents supported the decision while ensuring she was safe, with her father keeping watch nearby as she performed on Queen Street. Taking requests from passers-by helped her build confidence, and she later gained further experience singing on cruise ships.

Her ambition took shape after receiving an acoustic guitar around the time Taylor Swift released Fearless. McHugh recalled deciding that she would become like Swift and learn the entire album from beginning to end.

At the age of 22, McHugh lost her sight because of Stargardt disease, a degenerative macular condition. She said music had remained an emotional outlet and that performing was the place where she could focus on the moment rather than her sight loss.

McHugh described her condition as only one part of her identity. She said music had helped her find the confidence to take up space rather than make herself smaller for the convenience of others.

The final was also Jones's last appearance as a coach on The Voice UK. He had served on the coaching panel intermittently since the programme began in 2012.

McHugh has received a £50,000 cash prize and a recording contract. Her first single, a cover of The Beatles' “Blackbird”, has already been released, and she is working on her first original song, which she hopes will arrive soon.

Sources: BBC News UK.