STEPHEN MULHERN TO HOST BGT SPECIAL AFTER ANT & DEC ARE FORCED TO PULL OUT

This one-off spectacular 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 huge £50,000 cash prize.

Ant & Dec pulled out of hosting duties due to illness

Keeping the seat warm for Simon Cowell, who has filming commitments in the US, will be magician extraordinaire Penn Jillette, who will be joined by Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams.

TV Zone understands Ant & Dec, who were due to host the programme, pulled out this week due to illness. Former Britain's Got More Talent host and friend Stephen Mulhern presented the two-hour spectacular instead.

UPDATE: A BGT spokesperson told TV Zone: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover. Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."

Filmed in front of a live studio audience yesterday (11th October), 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.

Former BGMT host Stephen Mulhern stepped in

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!”