Derren Brown has teased he may step away from his television career in the future.
The 49-year-old illusionist, who became a household name after the success of his 2000 series Mind Control, says he hopes to spend more time on leisurely pursuits in the future.
“[I want to do more] writing and painting and all those things I really enjoy,” he told the PA news agency.
“I quite like doing stage work but it’s hard to do stage work if you’re not also doing television because one feeds into the other…
“I suspect there will be a gradual softening or a gradual disappearance. I’ve always liked those people who disappear off to Florence or make shoes or do something else. That might be quite nice.
“I like the idea that in 10 years’ time I’m being looked for.”
Brown was speaking as he planned to mark his 20 years on screen.
Some of the illusionist’s most famous tricks include playing a game of Russian Roulette on live television, successfully predicting the winning National Lottery numbers and manipulating a number of participants into robbing a security van in broad daylight.
He also created his own thrilling horror ride for Surrey's Thorpe Park.
In 2017, Brown stepped away from some of his bleaker work to publish "anti" self-help guide Happy.
Discussing the book, Brown told The Guardian: “Happiness is partly the story you tell yourself. Meaning doesn’t happen in the moment without some sort of before and after, and a story being drawn out of it.”
Now back on screens, Brown’s new Channel 4 show Derren Brown: 20 Years of Mind Control Live will see Brown surprise an “unsuspecting viewer” with a live stunt to celebrate his television milestone.
Derren Brown: 20 Years of Mind Control Live airs on Channel 4 later this month
