A CUMBRIAN magician has been dubbed the ‘favourite’ to win Britain’s Got Talent after reaching the final.
Jack Rhodes, 26, from Ulverston, won the vote of the British public in last night's semi-final of the ITV talent show.
The judges' hearts were in their mouths after performing an extreme card trick while locked in a box of dynamite.
Simon Cowell said the nuclear engineer-turned-magician is 'the favourite to win the entire competition' after a 'jaw-dropping' performance during the second semi-final.
READ MORE: Furness magician 'absolutely buzzing' to reach final of Britain's Got Talent
Rhodes received the most votes from the public and won an automatic final place after a performance involving card tricks, dynamite and the magician breaking out of a TV.
"You really are one in a million, you’ve got everything,” Cowell said.
His fellow judge Alesha Dixon added: "I love the fact that you take the mickey out of yourself but actually you are a show-off in the best way."
Bruno Tonioli said: "So clever, so original and you are funny as well. Your delivery, and your timing is absolutely perfect. It really is the best magic act I have seen so far."
Amanda Holden added: "You are very talented and excellent at what you do - that was an amazing act."
Japanese skipping group Haribow also won a spot in Sunday’s final after Cowell said they were 'one of the best acts we’ve ever had' based on 'skill and being unique'.
The Ulverston performer will compete against nine others in the Grand Final on Sunday. So far Innocent Masuku, Ssaulabi Performance Troupe and Haribow have been announced as his fellow finalists, with the other six still to be decided.
Britain’s Got Talent live semi-finals will air each day until Friday at 8pm with Sunday’s final at 7.30pm on ITV1 and ITVX.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here