THE ULTIMATE MAGICIAN: MEET THE MAGICIANS TAKING PART IN BGT SPECIAL

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.

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.

As revealed by TV Zone on Wednesday, Ant & Dec had to pull out of hosting duties due to illness. A BGT spokesperson confirmed: "Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover...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, 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.

The magicians taking part are:

-Colin Cloud (America's Got Talent)

-Eric Chien (Asia's Got Talent)

-Kevin James (America's Got Talent)

-Les French Twins (America's Got Talent)

-Magical Bones (Britain's Got Talent)

-Mandy Muden (Britain's Got Talent)

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-Marc Spelmann/X (Britain's Got Talent)

-Richard Jones (Britain's Got Talent)

-The Clairvoyants (America's Got Talent)

-The Witch (Britain's Got Talent)

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!”

Britain's Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician will air this December on ITV1 and ITVX.