This was no illusion... Darcy proves he’s a bona fide star

Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality is hosted by Christine Bleakley and shot on stage at the historic Opera House.

The Canadian took to the stage on Saturday night to thrill the crowd as he performed some jaw-dropping illusions.

Billed as an “evening of breath-taking, logic-bending illusions in the grand old tradition of stage magic fused with Darcy’s modern twist”, it certainly did not disappoint.

Before the show Darcy said: “I’ve spent every waking moment putting together what I promise will be an unforgettable experience. We are not holding anything back with this show!”

As well as the stage show at the Opera House he will take to the streets of Blackpool this week to wow the public up close and personal.

When Darcy was on BGT earlier this year, he was dubbed the “best magician” the show had ever had.

He made doves appear in a flash of fire, changed the birds into a woman and even disappeared from the stage.

In the semi-finals, judge Amanda Holden said: “You’re incredible – your presence is so commanding.

“You did that like you have your own show already. How you did it I have no idea. You are so hot as well! I got a litlte too excited when you took your jacket off!”

Not to give anything away ahead of the Chrsitmas special, but Darcy attempts an illusion not seen for a century as he left the crowd asking “how did he do that?”

And, given his pop star good looks and engaging personality, he had women in the audience swooning with several requests from the stalls for him to remove his T-shirt.

They may have been left disappointed, as Darcy remained fully clothed throughout, but no-one will be let down by the sheer brilliance of this bona fide star who will be a sure-fire festive hit on the small screen.

On this evidence, David Blaine and Dynamo have some serious competition.