Magicians Spin-Off for Britain’s Got Talent

ITV has commissioned Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, a one-off that brings together magicians from past seasons of Got Talent for a competition.

Ant and Dec will be returning as hosts. Penn Jillette, one-half of the world-famous duo Penn & Teller, will join the judging panel alongside Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.

Filmed in front of a live studio audience later this month, the two-hour extravaganza, produced by Thames (a Fremantle label), will see ten acts competing for the coveted title of ultimate champion of magic.

Amelia Brown, managing director of Thames, said: “We’ve scoured a huge selection of incredibly talented magicians across many Got Talent shows around the world to bring audiences the very best performers on one stage. Viewers can expect a spellbinding display of talent with magic that needs to be seen to be believed. It’s also a great pleasure to welcome one of the world’s best magicians, Penn Jillette, to the judging panel. Having worked in the industry for nearly half a century, he really is the best in class when it comes to dazzling an audience with incredible magic.”

Katie Rawcliffe, head of entertainment commissioning at ITV, added: “Some of the Got Talent franchise’s most jaw-dropping acts hail from the world of magic, so we’re looking forward to bringing viewers this very magical special, in every sense, which promises to showcase the scale and breadth of talent on the show from across the years.”

Jillette said: “Being a guest judge on BGT is going to be the cushiest job ever. They’ve gone all around the world to find the most astounding magicians, and I get to sit and watch and be amazed. I cannot wait!”