A Suffolk entertainer who has risen to fame after appearing on Britain’s Got Talent has hailed his wife his “biggest inspiration” and told how he has dedicated his life to magic.
Matt Edwards, 34, stole the show on Saturday night with a wacky routine, which impressed presenters Ant and Dec so much that they pressed the coveted golden buzzer, sending him straight through to the semi-finals.
Speaking to this newspaper, Matt said the reaction he had received since the programme aired had been “crazy”.
He added: “I have had so many messages on Facebook, Twitter, text and email.
“The love and support I have had has been incredible, it’s been better than I thought it would be.
“It seems that the whole world has reached out to me. I have been so overwhelmed.
“It’s what I wanted but it’s hard to believe in yourself sometimes and to see so many people get behind you and say ‘go on boy’ has been amazing.”
He has since been named one of the favourites to win the show.
Growing up in Needham Market, Matt took up magic at the age of five and got his first “professional gig” at 14, performing tricks for diners at a restaurant in Ipswich.
His father, Alan, would wait for him at the bar every Friday and Saturday night until he finished his shift, then take him home.
Matt said: “It was one of the makings of me.”
At 16 Matt moved to Spain where he worked for 10 years on and off as a magician at his friend’s bar, The House of Illusion.
With his foot in the door, Matt then met and was able to work alongside his “favourite magician”, Wayne Dobson, who he now calls a friend.
But Matt said he wouldn’t be where he is today without the support of his wife, Kat.
“She is one of my biggest inspirations, she is my hero really,” added Matt, who now lives in Hereford.
“For her to stand by me and watch me fly all over the place trying to make it big, she couldn’t be more supportive. I just want to keep a smile on her face.”
If Matt makes it to the final of Britain’s Got Talent, he said he had a “special” act up his sleeve, which will “make you say wow”.
However, Matt said even if he doesn’t get past the next round, he will continue to work in magic.
“From this point onwards I don’t really mind what happens, I love my job so much and I know I will do it forever,” he added. “I‘m just trying to enjoy it while I’ve got it. Of course I would love to win, but if I don’t I’m still having fun now.”
On Monday, Matt was on the ITV show, This Morning.
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