Magic touch for BBC One

A new entertainment show featuring magic tricks will air on BBC One in early 2011.

The Magicians, which will air for five weeks will see three top magicians do battle each week, showcasing their talents, never seen before tricks and performing with a celebrity partner in each show.

The show is expected to feature escapology, illusion and sleight of hand card tricks. The three magicians will be the same each week, with the studio audience voting for the winning act. Viewers will be able to learn some of the magic interactively.

BBC Controller of Entertainment Commissioning Mark Linsey says “The Magicians is a bold, big scale entertainment show that will bring the best of the latest crop of amazing illusionists to a wide audience for the first time, in a head-to-head contest. It is family viewing at its best and we’re delighted to be bringing it to the BBC and to Saturday nights.”

The last time magic took centre stage was The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran from 1988 – 1994. The Magicians will air on Saturday nights early in 2011 on BBC One.