Britain’s Got Talent returns to ITV with the penultimate semi-final tonight and eight more acts are going to take to the stage and perform for the nation.
Ahead of the live show kicking off, Express.co.uk spoke exclusively to Graeme Mathews, the comedy magician hoping to impress the judges, audience and those watching at home.
During the interview Graeme spoke about the “chaotic and mysterious” performance he has in store for tonight’s show and mentioned the risks he was taking.
“Yes, I suppose I am taking more risks,” he divulged. “I’m doing some magic that could go wrong, a slight element of risk.”
BGT fans will remember him holding everyone’s hearts in his hand when he got Amanda Holden up on stage during his audition.
She was seen holding a full cup of water on her head and he encouraged her to tip it upside down, much to the amazement of the audience, it was thankfully empty.
When asked if he will be joined on stage by anyone else tonight, Graeme revealed how “the judges might have a little bit of involvement”.
Looking forward towards tonight’s performance, Graeme said he is “a little big nervous”.
“Because it’s live it’s making me more nervous; it’s just the cameras and the fact it’s for television makes it much more nerve-racking.
“Even if you’ve performed to more people, it’s not the fact it’s a large number of people, it’s the occasion and the live aspect of it that makes me scared.
“But I am looking forward to it and just hope I hold it together and don’t get so nervous, I forget to be funny,” he remarked.
During the series, viewers have seen many magic acts, and earlier this week Dave and Finn, as well as 4MG were put through to the semi final.
As for what sets Graeme apart from his competitors, he joked: “All the others are quite good at magic! That’s the main difference.
“You get magicians and then you get comedy magicians, but I’m an entertainer. I’m a comedian that does magic, rather than a magician that tries to be funny if that makes sense.”
Looking towards the possibility of being crowned the 2019 winner, he added: “To win the whole thing, it would be incredible.
“I can’t imagine it’s going to happen but I’d love it. It would be amazing and to perform at the Royal Variety Performance would be the pinnacle of any performers career.”
As for his chance of winning tonight’s heat, he is currently sitting fifth on the odds board.
According to Coral, his odds are 6/1 to making it through the final and joining the other six confirmed acts.
A spokesperson from the bookmakers commented: “Mark [McMulllan with 4/5] odds is on to progress through tonight’s show and we expect him to be in Sunday’s final.
“According to the odds, Ben Hart has the next best chance [with odds at 2/1] whilst A&J, (4/1) Kerr [James] (5/1) and Graeme will all be hoping to spring a surprise.”
Britain’s Got Talent returns tonight at 7.30pm on ITV.
