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Magician James Phelan wowed the Britain’s Got Talent judges as he auditioned for the ITV show – 10 years after the death of his uncle Paul Daniels.
James, 33, was one of the nervous hopefuls who took to the stage on Saturday night in a bid to impress Simon Cowell, Alesha Dixon, Amanda Holden and KSI.
Introducing himself, he revealed his uncle was the late TV star Paul Daniels, famed for his magic tricks.
James told the judges: ‘I dreamt of this when I was tiny, and I’ve done magic my entire life, I fell in love with it because it’s what my uncle Paul did. Paul Daniels, for anyone that doesn’t know.
‘I walked in today and I see his name on the wall and I stand on the same stage that he’s spent years of his life.’
His dangerous act involved making Amanda’s ring disappear and swallowing sewing needles, leaving the theatre in Blackpool aghast.
Magician James Phelan wowed the Britain’s Got Talent judges as he auditioned for the ITV show – 10 years after the death of his uncle Paul Daniels
Paul, who was married to Debbie McGee, died in 2016 aged 77 after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour (pictured in 1998)
Britain’s Got Talent viewers impressed and flooded social media with comments, writing: ‘In a series of mostly average magicians – imo James is one of the best of this series’;
‘James the Magician was fantastic ! I’m sure his uncle Paul is looking down with the biggest smile on his face!’; ‘James! Magic is clearly in your DNA! And brilliant presentation. Very, very well done’;
‘I usually hate Magic acts but I actually really enjoyed this one – Magic with the added danger element’.
In the theatre, Amanda said: ‘Oh my goodness James. All your magic today was brilliant, that act was amazing.’
Simon added: ‘Being someone who is related to one of the most well-known magicians Paul Daniels comes with a lot of pressure.
‘And honestly, what you did, there is no other explanation than magic!’
James left the stage with four yeses, sending him through to the next round.
Speaking to the Mirror following his act, he explained how his uncle was reluctant to teach him tricks, apart from a simple colour changing card trick.
James said: ‘My mum asked him to. He never told me how to do anything else, he’d say, “It’s in one of those books over there. Read those books and you’ll find out how it’s done”.
‘He didn’t want me to be a tribute act, I suppose. He said, “don’t be me, be you, because you’re the best one of you there is”.’
James left the stage with four yeses, sending him through to the next round
His dangerous act involved making Amanda’s ring disappear and swallowing sewing needles, leaving the theatre in Blackpool aghast
Paul, who was married to Debbie McGee, died in 2016 aged 77 after he was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
Meanwhile, James’ audition on Saturday was not the first time he has appeared on Britain’s Got Talent.
He first tried out for the variety show a decade ago, though it was never broadcast as it coincided with his uncle’s sad passing.
Britain’s Got Talent continues next Saturday at 7pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
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Late magician Paul Daniels’ nephew leaves Britain’s Got Talent judges aghast as he auditions for variety show 10 years after his uncle’s passing