Richard Jones is embarking on a new adventure as he begins his new show, Soldier Of Illusion, which is set to be “bigger than anything he’s done before” – but the star is still bowled over with his Britain’s Got Talent win eight years later.
Jones worked in the army at the time of his audition and admitted that he had previously bottled his first audition after originally signing up for series eight.
After impressing the judges with his skills, he made it to the final where he narrated the story of Fergus Anckorn – a man who was captured and taken prisoner in Japan – all whilst performing classic card tricks.
Tackling Anckorn’s most famous trick, he soon brought the legend onto the stage, leaving Simon Cowell to remark at the end: “It was so appropriate after 10 years of BGT that you chose this night to do what you did and it was amazing.”
David Walliams added: “It was just so emotional as we were hearing that story we all had tears in our eyes, I’ve never felt that at all with a magician and I think you’re really one to watch.”
Jones was later pronounced winner of the series after he received 16.7 per cent of the audience vote out of the 12 finalists and recently admitted he still can’t believe it today.
Richard stunned the judges by brining Fergus on stage
ITV
He explained to GB News: “I never expected to win, so in that tense moment before Ant and Dec announced my name all I could think about was my memory of sitting at home the year before watching the same tense situation. I couldn’t believe I was on that stage.
“I could also hear my mum cheering in the audience. Although in reality, it was only a few seconds, it felt like an hour before they announced the winner. I was shocked when it was me.
“I think BGT is the most amazing show to help anyone with a passion to share it with the world. Even if you don’t make it to the TV round there is lots to gain from the experience of auditioning.”
Jones also added he still continues to see Cowell around at certain events and praised the support he received after the show had ended.
Richard appeared on the show multiple times after his win
ITV
“I have a huge amount of respect for Simon. I am an ambassador of the wonderful children’s charity ‘Together for Short Lives’ of which Simon is a patron and huge supporter of.
“So, I often bump into him when they hold fundraising events," Jones added before revealing Cowell's sweet gesture: "He is always very kind and I’ve noticed on many occasions how he goes out of his way to make the staff of the charity and venue feel extra appreciated.”
Jones returned to BGT in 2017 as a guest performer for the show's fourth semi-final and then again in 2019 for the Britain's Got Talent: The Champions series, where he came second in his group.
Embarking on his new show, Jones has claimed it will be his “greatest ever magic show” and wants the audience involved more than ever.
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Richard Jones is embarking on a now adventure with his new show
ITV
He explained: “Within the show the audience will explore the concept of life without limitations. There will be audience members themselves performing impossible feats in front of our eyes.
“Instead of watching a show, I want my guests to feel immersed in an experience they’ll remember forever. It will also be filled with interactive light hearted moments combined with powerful moving magic.”
“I always carry a little pocketbook with me and every time I have an idea I jot it into the book. Usually those ideas are exciting but I have no idea how they could ever be possible.
“Gradually over time, the more I think about them the more I find clever ways of making the impossible possible.”
For more details of Richard’s tour Soldier of Illusion visit https://www.richardjonesmagic.co.uk/tour-dates.
