Paul Daniels’ magician nephew has been hailed as 'extraordinary' by Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden.
James Phelan, 23, is among the hopefuls auditioning on the ITV talent show this year.
Famous magician Paul died of cancer last month, aged 77, with his wife Debbie McGee at his side.
Amanda Holden at the Britain’s Got Talent launch (Jonathan Brady/PA)
Speaking at the show’s launch in central London, Amanda said: “He was extraordinary (James) and obviously we didn’t know anything about Paul at the time.”
“I thought of him when Paul passed away, he was the first person I thought of.” She also believes a magician could win this year.
The popular show returns with Simon Cowell, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon alongside Amanda on the judging panel. Simon did not attend the launch as he is currently filming in Los Angeles.
David Walliams dressed as Simon Cowell for the Britain’s Got Talent launch (Jonathan Brady/PA)
His partner in crime David did not miss a trick and arrived on the red carpet dressed as Simon.
In a video message, Simon explained the 'official' reason for his absence was due to filming America’s Got Talent, but that 'unofficially I can’t bear to be around David and his ego at the moment'.
Paul Daniels' nephew @phelanmagician to appear on Britain's Got Talent with magic act. @BGT https://t.co/3pi366xTz8 pic.twitter.com/elDl0P6Z3n
— BBC Ents News Team (@BBCNewsEnts) April 5, 2016
He joked: “Weeks on the road with him was enough. Just to remind you, I’m on the British show and the American show and David’s just on the British show.”
WATCH > 12-year-old Beau Dermott audition with the show tune Defying Gravity:
Britain’s Got Talent is broadcast on April 9 at 7pm on ITV.
