‘Britain’s Got Talent’ magician Richard Jones is going to severe lengths to ensure that his latest trick isn’t spoiler for viewers, ahead of tonight’s (28 May) live final.
Richard is one of 12 acts who’ll be competing in this year’s ‘BGT’ final, in the hope that his latest performance can bag him a place at the Royal Variety Performance, in addition to a cash prize of £250,000.
Speaking to Digital Spy ahead of his “personal” performance, he admits he’s even left parts of his upcoming illusion out of rehearsals, out of fear it could be leaked before he gets the chance to perform it.
Richard says: “It's a little bit worrying because I don't want the act to get leaked. I'm worried that people might see what I'm doing in rehearsals and get a glimpse of what's going to happen.
Richard’s spot in the ‘BGT’ final has been a particularly controversial one, after some viewers noticed his semi-final performance was reminiscent of Collins Key, a magic act who appeared on ‘America’s Got Talent’ two years ago.
Addressing the controversy, Collins has said: “I will leave the decision of whether it is right or wrong, what Richard Jones is doing, to the BGT judges and even more importantly to the public.”
Meanwhile, Richard has defended himself amid the backlash, insisting: “New ideas won’t always be found nowadays so I’m thinking what I can do that’s similar but make it more understanding and more updated. That’s what magic is all about.”
Find out how Richard - who is current bookies’ favourite to win ‘BGT’, which would make him the first magician ever to do so - gets on when this year’s ‘BGT’ final kicks off tonight (28 May) at 7.30pm on ITV.