Read my lips, I'm home! America's Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin heads back to London after $1 million victory

Published: 17:57 EST, 20 September 2015 | Updated: 19:05 EST, 20 September 2015

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He just scooped a whopping $1million (£641,000) prize and his own show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas after winning America's Got Talent.

Paul Zerdin, 43, landed back home in London on Sunday morning, still beaming ear to ear after the life-changing victory.

The ventriloquist arrived at Heathrow airport, accompanied by his trusty puppet Sam - who was wearing an 'I love New York' t-shirt.

Winning smile: Paul Zerdin, 43, landed back home in London on Sunday, still beaming ear to ear after the life-changing victory

The pair have every reason to love the city - the performer has been plugging away with his act in the UK for years before hitting the big time with a lucrative and life-changing win at Radio City Music Hall on Wednesday, in front of a television audience of millions.

Paul was greeted by a celebratory balloon and his girlfriend, Robin Mellor, as he arrived looking refreshed.

He donned black-framed glasses and classic blue jeans with white trainers, and looked ready for the cooler UK weather in a black leather biker jacket.

Home again: The ventriloquist arrived at Heathrow airport, accompanied by his trusty puppet Sam - who was wearing an 'I love New York' t-shirt - and was met by his girlfriend Robin Mellor

After scooping the prize, Paul graciously said it was 'the most amazing feeling' and he was 'speechless' and 'bowled over,' as the audience cheered.

He later posted a Vine on the show's Twitter feed, in which he thanked viewers, saying: 'I can't believe it. It's the most amazing feeling and I thank everyone so much for voting for me.'

Paul has appeared in the UK in Christmas pantomimes and at the world-famous Edinburgh Fringe, and first performed as a magician on the BBC's Tricky Business - before going on to host GMTV's Rise And Shine.

Puppet love: He's on a high after scooping a whopping $1million (£641,000) prize and his own show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas after winning America's Got Talent on Wednesday

He says he was inspired to go into ventriloquism when a family friend made him a puppet theatre, with which he put on shows at the age of 10.

His characters - which were featured during his winning act - include cheeky pre-teen Sam, pensioner Albert and Baby.

He previously said: 'The real turning point was when I was given a book on ventriloquism by the legendary Ray Alan.

Three's a crowd: Sam looked a little jealous of Robin as Paul donned black-framed glasses and classic blue jeans with white trainers, and looked ready for the cooler UK weather in a black leather biker jacket

Hands up: He says he was inspired to go into ventriloquism when a family friend made him a puppet theatre, with which he put on shows at the age of 10 - pictured on AGT

'By the time I hit my teens I was spending half an hour a day in front of the mirror practicing talking without moving my lips.'

After the ventriloquist's victory, judge Howard Stern praised his performance.

'There's a reason Paul breezed through every single time he came on, because he is a master at what he does,' he said. 'He's taking the art of ventriloquism to new heights.'