Stephen Mulhern didn't need much convincing when he answered Ant and Dec's SOS to step in for Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician.
The Geordie duo suddenly had to withdraw from filming last month after t hey both contracted Covid.
They knew just the person to take over at short notice - magic mad Stephen.
The presenters asked personally if he could save the day and he didn't have to think twice about saying a big yes to the show, which will air next month.
The spin off showcases the very best magicians from Got Talent shows globally as they battle it out for a £50,000 prize - and it's perfect for someone who was on our television screens performing magic before getting his big break.
We see Britain’s Got Talent favourites competing against the very best magic acts from around the world.
Stephen will host this special edition of Britain’s Got Talent with Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams returning to the judging desk as they are joined by Las Vegas legend Penn Jillette.
The winner will be chosen by the theatre audience and for the host it's the perfect job.
Stephen said: "So I got a call saying 'Ant and Dec have asked, if you would stand in for them?'
"First of all, it's a dream come true because it's magic. It was lovely to get the chance to host because the magicians that are in the show, I grew up watching some of them and lots of them inspired me to get into magic. Kevin James is a prime example. He's just an incredible Las Vegas magician.
"Dec text me saying: 'There's no one better to take the reins from us. You'll be brilliant. Just don't be too brilliant. Thanks so much for stepping in!'
"We're really, really good mates. But there's not many presenters that would be so welcoming for that to happen, because it's a big gig.
"It's special. It's the first time they've ever done a magic special for Britain's Got Talent. But I was like a kid in a sweet shop."
Alesha says Stephen was clearly giddy with excitement to be at the helm.
"He was so excited!" she said.
"You could see after every act as well, that appreciation and enthusiasm and passion that he has for magic. He was actually involved in a lot of the acts.
"They would often bring him on stage. But even after an act had finished and he'd come on stage, you could just see his mind was blown as well. And that's somebody that's from that world.
"So I think that was a big compliment towards the acts."
A Britain's Got Talent spokesperson told RadioTimes.com that Ant and Dec were forced to sit the show out.
"Ant and Dec are both unwell and have postponed all work commitments until they recover," they said in October.
"Sadly, this means they were unable to film Britain’s Got Talent: The Ultimate Magician. Whilst we wish them a speedy recovery, we are thrilled to confirm that BGT’s favourite magician, Stephen Mulhern has stepped in."
