A magic act which wowed the audience on Britain’s Got Talent is planning to “take it up a notch” as they prepare to appear on the live semi-finals.

James Samuel, from Thetford, baffled viewers when he appeared as part of the group 4MG, who have been dubbed the One Direction of magic.

The all-male team which includes Harry Nardi, 18, Theo Mallalieu, 17, and Josh Horus, 17, as well as 19-year-old James, specialise in magic, sleight-of-hand and illusion.

Appearing in front of judges Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams, it was the first time the group had performed their tricks live.

James said: "The first time we went on we were so nervous, we didn't know how the judges or the audience were going to react but we couldn't have asked for a better day.

Thetford & Brandon Times: Thetford magician James Samuel performing for judge David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent. Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REXThetford magician James Samuel performing for judge David Walliams on Britain’s Got Talent. Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX (Image: Archant)

"It was so much fun, just to have got two or three yeses would have been great but to get all four and the judges to stand on their feet, it was just insane.

"We had done many rehearsals but it was the first time that we had ever performed the whole routine in front of an audience so we were relieved when it came off with no hitches and entertained the audience."

For Tuesday's live semi-final they have ditched the cards and will be using just the power of their minds.

He added: "Tonight we are trying to take it up a notch, we have got rid of the cards and all I can say is we are doing stuff with the mind, it is going to be a real spectacular surprise."

Thetford & Brandon Times: Thetford magician James Samuel who is performing with act 4MG on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: 4MGThetford magician James Samuel who is performing with act 4MG on Britain's Got Talent. Picture: 4MG (Image: Archant)

James, who was the youngest ever member of the Ipswich Magic Society, has previously appeared on CBBC and Sky TV,

He said: "When I was about four years old I used to watch magicians on the TV, Dominic Wood and Stephen Mulhern but later on I started going to a magic shop in Ashford called Alakazam and they took me under their wing and were the best teachers I could have asked for before going on to form what has been called the boy band of magic, 4MG.

"The feeling of wonder is quite prominent with young children and it can be hard to find within adults and magic can bring that inner child out."

Thetford & Brandon Times: Thetford magician James Samuel performing with 4MG on Britain’s Got Talent. Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REXThetford magician James Samuel performing with 4MG on Britain’s Got Talent. Picture: Dymond/Thames/Syco/REX (Image: Archant)

Thetford & Brandon Times: Thetford magician James Samuel (second right) with fellow 4MG members Harry Nardi, Theo Mallalieu and Josh Horus. Picture: 4MG. Picture: James SamuelThetford magician James Samuel (second right) with fellow 4MG members Harry Nardi, Theo Mallalieu and Josh Horus. Picture: 4MG. Picture: James Samuel (Image: Archant)