Penn Jillette, one half of world-famous duo Penn & Teller, confirmed to guest judge mesmerising magical special
Over the past 16 years we’ve witnessed some of the most mesmerising and spellbinding magical acts take to the Britain’s Got Talent stage and now they’ll go head-to-head with some of the world’s most talented magicians in Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.
This one-off spectacular will bring together the world’s most memorable and greatest magicians from past series of Got Talent as they compete to become the ultimate champion of magic and win a huge £50,000 cash prize.
Inimitable presenting duo, Ant and Dec, will be returning as hosts, ready to guide the audience through the show-stopping performances and, keeping the seat warm for Simon Cowell, who has filming commitments in the US, will be magician extraordinaire, King of Sin City and BAFTA and Olivier nominated, Penn Jillette, who will be joined by our much-loved judging panel - Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.
Having performed all over the world for more than four decades as part of Penn & Teller, Penn Jillette is one of the most legendary magicians in history, with a star on the prestigious Hollywood Walk of Fame, countless television and stage performances and the longest running headlining residency in Las Vegas history. From their light-hearted gags to mind bending illusions, Penn & Teller are true luminaries in their field, making Penn the perfect addition to the Britain’s Got Talent judging panel.
Filmed in front of a live studio audience later this month, the 1 x 120 extravaganza, produced by Thames (a Fremantle label), will see 10 acts competing for the coveted title of ultimate champion of magic:
Amelia Brown, Managing Director of Thames, says: “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 magician, 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, says: “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.”
Penn 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!”
Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician will be executive produced by Amelia Brown and Ashley Whitehouse for Thames (a Fremantle label).