Phil Tufnell not curator Rob Tufnell is the chosen one
The hugely popular, hit TV show The Magicians has returned to BBC One with a show-stopping live format, and an astonishing line-up of magicians who train their celebrity assistants through a range of seemingly impossible tricks. The program is teaming up with cricketer turned ‘artist’ Phil Tufnell (sorry folks not curator Rob Tufnell) to create a magic artwork. Tufnell, a regular BBC media whore who appears on the One Show, Strictly Come Dancing (contestant 2009) and ITV’s Don’t Call Me Stupid where snooty art critic Brian Sewell attempted to teach him about art, helps to create a work of art.
The BBC will provide the paint, brushes, and other materials; while the audience will do the rest to show their artistic flair. Abstract shapes and colours on a wall, totally at random. Locked in a Perspex box hanging from the ceiling is an artistic prediction. Made in advance. Before the wall was painted. This prediction will remain in view and locked up at all times. The audience is you so come along and contribute. Impossible is merely an opinion of the illusion. Following last year’s ratings success of over six million viewers, the 2012 series has been extended to six 75-minute programmes which transmit live from Saturday, 7th January – the first time a magic series has been transmitted live on the BBC in over 30 years.In addition to the new format, The Magicians has an exciting new host in Scottish-born television presenter Darren McMullen, in his debut UK primetime presenting role.Four of the world’s greatest illusionists are joined every week by a celebrity assistant. They go head-to-head performing tricks from the classic to never-before attempted in front of a live studio audience.
This year, the fate of our three acts lies in the hands of the audience and the viewing public who’ll decide who wins and who’ll face the loser’s forfeit. Following last year’s ratings success of over six million viewers, the 2012 series will be extended to six 75-minute programmes which will transmit live – which will see the first time a magic series has been transmitted live on the BBC in over 30 years.In addition to the new format, The Magicians has an exciting new host in Scottish-born television host Darren McMullen, in his debut UK primetime presenting role.Darren has fronted national shows in both Australia and the US and will preside over the celebrities and magicians as well as announcing the live audience vote each week.He said: “I can’t wait to host live shows here.
The Magicians is a huge entertainment show and talked about around the world so I can’t wait to be at the heart of it. Being a live show, the pressure really will be on the magicians and whether or not they can pull off dangerous stunts in front of a live audience. I’m certainly going to have to have my wits about me!The Magicians returns to BBC One with a new host at the helm. Scottish born Darren McMullen makes his UK terrestrial debut having fronted primetime television shows in the US and Australia.“I can’t wait to be at the heart of it,” he says. “Being a live show, the pressure really will be on the magicians and whether or not they can pull off dangerous stunts in front of a studio audience and the public watching at home.”
The BBC describe Tufnel as, The One Show’s Phil, not just handy with a bat, he’s also a burgeoning artist which would explain why he’s inviting himself into peoples homes to have a nose at their artwork. When he’s not casting his artistic eye over your paintings, he’s driving around the country seeing our favourite landmarks. Plus whenever there’s a challenge in our studio Phil’s never far away.You can imagine!!!