So I try and keep my column as topical as possible and, with rest of the media going nuts over Glastonbury and the Rolling Stones, I thought I’d broach the topic of music too.

Normally on a Saturday it’s not the Rolling Stones you catch on TV but talent shows like X Factor and co. Recently I became a fan of The Voice. For those of you that don’t know it’s basically a singing competition where the deciding votes on selection are cast purely on the voice. The judges have there backs turned and can’t see who is singing, only turning their chair if they like what they hear.

Often it’s the preserve of the fat or ugly who wouldn’t get past Simon Cowell but this year there was one contestant with a severe visual impairment. So much so that she had to be assisted on and off stage.

In a moment of humour to break the awkwardness Andrea Begley asked the presenter if anyone had turned around for her as she couldn’t see. It was a cute but stark reminder of the reality of loss of vision where one has to rely on the world of sound and touch. Throughout the contest she sang beautifully and she became a favourite of mine.

Her performances were, to be frank, awkward. Indeed, she was the absolute opposite of any Mick Jagger who would simply jump around the stage. Plus, her interactions with the camera, the presenters and her fellow contestants were always a bit cringey.

That said, however, her story-telling and emotion felt genuine and she had a joyfulness despite adversity that I found endearing.

Even though she had stiff competition she went on to win. It may have been a pity vote or it might have been that people like those with disabilities that take on the world or, of course, it could have been her extraordinary voice. And let’s be honest, Andrea’s voice is extraordinary.

The BBC did a great job of portraying her beyond her disability, but in the last show it was all soured by the performance of Robbie Williams and Dizzee Rascal driving around the stage in mobility scooters covered in Quadrophenia memorabilia.

I couldn’t believe the insensitivity after such a positive portrait of disability.

Anyway, the overall message is a positive one. Well done, Andrea and despite the final blip, well done BBC.