Britain's Got Talent magician Jake Banfield has revealed that winning the ITV show would help him achieve his ultimate trick: conjuring up a new baby with his wife, Leanne. The couple already have a three-year-old daughter, Mia, but securing the £250,000 cash prize would provide them with greater financial stability to have more children.
Audience and Judges Moved by Family Act
Millions of viewers recently watched Jake impress with an illusion involving a pack of cards and a stopwatch. Both Leanne and Mia joined him on stage during his incredible BGT audition. Judge Amanda Holden became emotional, remarking that he had tugged at viewers' heartstrings by including his family in the performance.
Preparing for the Semi-Final
As he gears up for tonight's semi-final, Jake admits that being crowned the 2026 champion would be a dream come true, especially after moving into a larger home in Bushey, Hertfordshire. He said: "Increasing the family, that is definitely on the cards. That was part of the moving from a two-bed to a three-bed house. Having one kid was a shock to the system. I think two is good. And maybe if I won the show then we'd have the budget for three."
Simon Cowell's Advice
Judge Simon Cowell praised Jake's heartwarming audition but urged him to enhance his showmanship. He commented: "You made us all happy but what you need is showmanship. That [act] won't take you to Vegas but we want you to go to Vegas." Jake has taken this advice on board, stating: "The trick I am doing is definitely the biggest thing that I've attempted before. Because I'm an ordinary family guy, whenever I do something impossible, it's almost stronger because the judges are disarmed, the audience is disarmed. It's like my little superpower."
A Magical Journey
Jake grew up in Hornchurch, Essex, and frequently visited Kaymar Magic in Upminster, a hidden magic shop where budding magicians and members of The Magic Circle would gather. He learned tricks to perform for family and friends, and also impressed pupils and teachers at Sanders Draper Secondary School. Magic helped build his self-confidence. He explained: "At first it was like a drug getting this amazing instant reaction from people. But then the experience changes and it's more about 'I love giving people this experience and making them feel happy'."
How Magic Led to Love
Magic also helped Jake find his future wife. While performing at a Magic Circle friend's wedding, he spotted Leanne with her three brothers and approached their table. He recalls: "They liked magic and once the boys had left, I slipped in, 'So, which one is your boyfriend?' And she went, 'None of them. They're all my brothers'. Literally, in my head I went, 'Kerching!' And that was it. The rest is history."
Leanne has joined his act a few times but has no desire to become the next Debbie McGee. Jake says: "We did some telepathy and we even did it at her nan's 80th birthday party in front of the family. It worked but professionally we weren't ever going to work together. We are different personalities. She works as a school swimming teacher and is way more grounded and calm, whereas I'm like 100% full-on."
Professional Career
Since making magic his profession 15 years ago and becoming a member of The Magic Circle, Jake has written several magic books for children. He has appeared on TV multiple times and performed for celebrities such as Pamela Anderson, Gary Barlow, and Jason Donovan at restaurants, parties, and promotional events. One of his favourite encounters was with former footballer and sports pundit Ian Wright. Jake said: "I was at a Bud Light campaign event and Ian was there and he loves magic. He was one of the warmest people I have met and he was telling everyone, 'Oh, look at this guy do magic'. And I was like 'You're Ian Wright?'"
Looking Ahead
As the clock ticks closer to his BGT semi-final, Jake remains grateful for the opportunity. He added: "I am excited but nervous at the same time. It's the biggest stage I will have been on. So there's pressure but I like it, it's a privilege."
The last of the BGT semi-finals airs tonight on ITV at 7pm, with the final scheduled for next Saturday.
