Stratford East Singers were crowned the nation’s third best a capella performers in the country in the final of The Naked Choir last night.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoXLnypbhdk

The episode saw the choir, based at Theatre Royal Stratford East, tasked with creating a medley from three songs.

One was chosen by the BBC Two programme’s presenter Gareth Malone, another by the choir and the third by one of their rival finalists.

“Sons of Pitches gave us the Cheeky Girls, and it was hard fitting that in,” said choir member Abena Adofo.

“It’s the biggest challenge we’ve faced.

The final, held at Camden’s Koko, saw the all-male Birmingham six-piece Sons of Pitches take the crown and Choral Stimulation, formed by University of Glasgow students, come second.

“Obviously we were a bit disappointed that we didn’t win, but we’re really proud of what we’ve achieved,” Abena said.

“We were the top choir in the south region though, as the other two finalists were from the north, which was great.”

Throughout the six week show, which featured eight choirs whittled down from 125 auditionees, the community choir was set a variety of vocal challenges.

Their semi-final performance of Wonder, by Naughty Boy and Emeli Sande, featured a video set in the borough, which Abena said has since gone viral.

“Emeli Sande tweeted it and said it was awesome,” she added.

The choir, who this week celebrated four years together, are now rehearsing for their own show on January 31.

Tickets are available now at stratfordeast.com