Britain’s Got Talent hopeful Ben Hart is hoping to dazzle Simon Cowell and co on Saturday’s episode with his work as a magician – and he already has a bit of a celeb fanbase.
The entertainer, who works as a magical advisor in theatre (coolest job ever?) has had to divulge some of his secrets to stars including Game Of Thrones’ Maisie Williams and Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellan.
But now he’s putting himself to the test and showing off his abilities to Simon Cowell and co on tonight’s episode of the variety show favourite.
Speaking exclusively to Metro.co.uk, Ben said: ‘I often get called in to help solve magic problems in the world of theatre, or films and that sort’ve thing. So I’ve taught things to all sorts of amazing people.
‘Recently, I had to help Maisie Williams to be part of a magic trick where one of the other actors was apparently sucked into her stomach. I’ve had to teach John Boyega to vomit on stage!’
And the biggest name he’s had to take under his wing? Lord Of The Rings’ Gandalf himself, Sir Ian McKellan.
‘I’ve taught Sir Ian McKellan sleight of hand magic, you know, kind of the more traditional kind of magic,’ he explained. ‘Which was amazing because he’s a genius. He was pretty easy to coach in that stuff, and plenty of experience being a magician.’
‘The judges are always going to be scary, because they’ve seen so many performers now, and so many great acts, that they become quite discerning critics,’ he admitted. ‘They really know what they’re talking about, and also in that situation all the excitement and anticipation of the day to be up against the panel.’
Admitting he was initially unconvinced that Britain’s Got Talent was the way to go, recent successes of performers in the format, including AGT’s Shin Lim and BGT’s Richard Jones, caused him to rethink his previous opinion.
Ben explained: ‘I’ve seen so many magicians have a really nice time on the show in the past, and in recent years, I think I thought “Oh… yeah, maybe I should give it a go!”
‘The magic industry’s a small world and when I see my friends, colleagues and people I look up to going on the show, it just seems that the show really likes magic, and so Simon seems to kind of believe in real magic now, so why not?’
After fleeting appearances on shows including kids show Life Hacks Hoax and BBC’s Now You See Me, he now wants to up his game, bringing to life the dream he’s had since he was a child.
‘The public are appreciating magic now more than they ever have, possibly in the history of magic, and that’s really exciting. In my time as a magician, seeing the public grow to like it more,’ the entertainer explained.
Admitting he never trained or studied past the essential school age so he could focus on magic, he joked: ‘I lucked out when it went into magic! It was a good investment.
‘When I started to do magic, everybody thought it was a little bit geeky, and now it’s really cool and I’ve just ridden the wave!’
Britain’s Got Talent continues tonight at 8pm on ITV1.
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