Britain’s Got Talent magician Jake Banfield would love to win the series but has bigger plans closer to home too19:02, 22 May 2026Britain’s Got Talent magician says he would love to win the ITV show as it would help with his best-ever trick – conjuring up a new baby with wife Leanne. The couple already have three-year-old daughter Mia but bagging the £250,000 cash prize would give them more financial security to have more children.‌Millions recently saw Jake impress with an illusion using a pack of cards and stopwatch. Both Leanne and Mia even went up on stage to join him and feature in his incredible BGT act. Judge Amanda Holden got emotional and said he had pulled at people’s heart strings by including his family in the act.‌Now as he prepares for tonight’s semi-final, he admits being voted the 2026 champion would be a dream come true as he has just moved into a larger house in Bushey, Herts.‌Jake, 37, 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.”Judge Simon Cowell admitted that although he loved Jake’s heart-warming audition, he urged him to be more of a dazzling performer. He added: “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 said he has taken Simon’s advice on board, adding: “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 superpowerAsked if Leanne and Mia would be joining him on stage tonight, he said: “That is a good question. They will be there to support me but I can’t reveal any more secrets.”‌Jake grew up in Hornchurch, Essex, and often visited Kaymar Magic in Upminster. Inside was a secret door and magic shop where, after doing a trick to enter, budding magicians and even members of The Magic Circle would visit. Jake learned tricks to perform to family and friends and also impressed pupils and teachers at Sanders Draper Secondary School. Jake says magic also helped build his self-confidence. He added: “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’.”Magic also landed him his future wife by performing at a Magic Circle pal’s wedding. Jake spotted Leanne, who was with her three brothers, and made a beeline to their table.‌He says: “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 been part of his act a few times but she has no ambition to be 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.”Since making magic his profession 15 years ago and becoming a member of The Magic Circle, Jake has written a couple of magic books for children. He has been on TV several times and even performed for stars such as Pamela Anderson, Gary Barlow and Jason Donovan at restaurants, parties and promotional events. But 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?’”As the clock ticks closer to his BGT semi-final, Jake said no matter what happens he is grateful to have got this far. 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 are on ITV tonight at 7pm. The BGT final airs next Saturday on ITV.Article continues belowLike this story? For more of the latest showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .