Tony Cowell
Magician Richard Jones, 26, winner of 2016’s Britain’s Got Talent, on his bond with Prince Harry and ‘nice guy’ Simon Cowell…
He’s the military man who wowed us with patriotic card tricks playing on life as a soldier on Britain’s
Got Talent. And Lance Corporal Richard Jones’s particular brand of magic is continuing to wow the crowds as he puts on a series of shows across the country. Tony Cowell catches up with a very British hero… Hi, Richard. Since winning
Britain’s Got Talent, you’re still in the Army, but you’re also flying all over the world as a magician. How does that work? I think people see me as a good example of the way the Army works. It’s not a big, scary organisation – they’ll support you in any area that you excel. There are at least 10 sporting Olympians in the Army, too – but I’m the first magician. I recently got a commendation from the service, which was lovely and shows how much they appreciate me. They’re flexible with anyone who’s in the limelight, so I’m on a special contract – but I could still be asked to go out on deployment, as I’m still a serving officer. You’ve struck up a bond with Prince Harry… Yes, I’ve met Prince Harry a number of times, during garden parties at Buckingham Palace. He’s an Army man, so we always have a lot to talk about. He’s a great guy who does a lot of good work. I’ve also met Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, at the Royal Variety Show. Not many people know that Charles is actually a member of the Magic Circle [the society that promotes the art and practice of magic in the UK], so he was very interested in what I do.
You had your own TV show ( Operation Magic) earlier this year...
Yes. My life has changed dramatically since BGT, although not so much at first. The final was at the end of May, and I went straight back to working with the horses in the Household Cavalry for the Queen’s birthday on
11 June. That kept me grounded! Since then, I’ve been all over the world. One of the best things is that young people tell me I’ve inspired them to take up magic.
What has your prize money [£250,000] enabled you to do?
I haven’t spent a lot of it yet! I’m looking to buy a house. I bought a handbag for my sister, and I’ve spent a bit of money on props. The thing about magic is, you have to keep making fresh tricks.
You recently performed at a ball for my brother Simon. Was that fun?
Yes. I got to meet Simon again – I hadn’t seen him since I won the show. I actually really like him. I think he’s a nice guy. He has a childlike love of magic.
How do you look back on your time on the show?
I wish I’d spent more time enjoying the moment instead of panicking about what trick I could do next! But I’ve always had this belief that you can do anything if you put your mind to it. I dream big. I never expected to win, though. I was overwhelmed.
What’s the appeal of BGT – why is it so popular?
The fact that you can be anyone, with whatever skill, and get noticed. Some people will criticise, say, a hula-hoop act, but they’re missing the point, because people get inspired by something nobody has ever seen before. I also love the fact that they always give time for the young kids to perform, whether they win or not. That’s a nice touch.
How are you coping with your newfound fame?
[Laughs] I don’t see myself as a celebrity. I’m not your average BGT winner, and I don’t have an ego. A lot of people come up to me in the street and ask for selfies. I love that, because it means they care, and they like you for what you do. For me, it’s still rather weird and humbling to be recognised.
Any plans to get married?
Ha! Not yet, as I’m travelling all over the world. I’m in Las Vegas as we speak! I’m probably still a bit young to get married, but my girlfriend, Vicky, works in TV, so she understands my lifestyle and has been really supportive. I’m one lucky guy. Richard Jones is appearing in West End Magic on 14 October at the Leicester Square Theatre, London.
The Power of Imagination tour starts on 4 August and runs until November. For ticket info, visit richardjonesmagic.co.uk