ITV has ordered one-off special, Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician, from Thames.
Penn Jillette, one half of duo Penn & Teller, is confirmed to guest judge the “mesmerising magical special.”
The one-off show 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 £50,000 cash prize.
Ant and Dec will be returning as hosts. Penn Jillette will join Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams on the 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).
Jon Creamer
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