A Radlett magician rubbed shoulders with the best in the business when he took part in an ITV show due to be aired on Saturday.

Jon Allen was chosen as a contestant on Penn and Teller: Fool Us, a programme which gives magicians the chance to perform in front of, and attempt to trick, the world famous performers.

The world IBM close-up magic champion from Radlett was recommended by fellow magicians who featured in the pilot show, presented by Jonathan Ross, earlier this year And on May 19, he filmed the show, which has an expected television audience of 7 million viewers.

He said: "It was definitely nerve racking. I didn't meet Penn and Teller or Jonathan Ross before I walked on to the set, with an audience of 600 people, so it felt a bit like a bucket of ice water was thrown on my head at that moment.

"But I have confidence in what I do and the performing was not daunting. It was a great opportunity and I just hope I came across well."

Jon, who lectures other magicians around the world, performed a Russian roulette trick with a nail on the show and says he has always looked up to Penn and Teller.

He said: "They are at the top of their game and I just wanted to go out there and impress them, to fool them would just be a bonus, though you won't know if I did until the show goes out."

Penn and Teller: Fool Us will be broadcast at 8pm on ITV1 on Saturday.