...as Pete Firman joins The Magicians

Pete Firman has landed a regular slot on the second series of The Magicians – but Lenny Henry will not return as host.

But the biggest change when the series returns to BBC One is that the show will go out live – the first time the broadcaster has transmitted magic in real time in more than 30 years.

Scottish duo Barry & Stuart will be returning, but the other regulars, Chris Korn and Luis de Matos will be replaced by Firman and US illusionist Jason Latimer. The new host will be Darren McMullen, a new face for British audiences having previously worked in America and Australia.

Writing on Twitter, Firman said he was 'chuffed to bits' to be on the new series.

As with the first series, the magicians will be teamed up with a celebrity partners to perform their tricks, but this time viewers will be able to vote for their favourite team, with the losers facing a live forfeit.

Six 75-minute shows have been commissioned for the new year.

Karen Smith, joint managing director of producers Shine TV, said: ‘We are delighted to have The Magicians back with the new format making it even more spectacular than the first series – and it will certainly hold more jeopardy in front of a live audience.’

Published: 17 Oct 2011