Steve Aruni and Henry the Hoover appear at New Act of the Year finals tomorrow night

A Hackney comedian who goes on stage hoping his act well-and-truly sucks is through to the final of a top talent competition.

Steve Aruni, 45, of Amhurst Road, has converted a household vacuum cleaner to become a singing, saxophone-playing sidekick and the pair have been chosen to join 13 other finalists for the New Act of the Year competition.

Steve spent a couple of years building Henry the Groover to help with busking but is ‘absolutely chuffed’ that the appliance has helped him get picked from among 150 different acts.

After 29 years, the contest is spending its first year away from Hackney Empire. The final takes place on Saturday March 19 at the Barbican at 8pm and is hosted by “Grumpy Old Man,” Arthur Smith.