Urban trickster on TV

4:27pm Tuesday 4th September 2007

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FOLLOWING in the mysterious footsteps of the likes of Derren Brown and David Blaine, an up-and-coming young magician has bagged his own TV slot. Damien O' Brien, from Lee Green, was spotted by chairman of the Urban Music Awards Jordan Kensington, who also runs Invincible TV. As well as being offered a job performing back stage and at the show's afterparty he's also been given a six-part TV show.

First intrigued by the world of magic after being shown the workings of a trick by a friend, Damien took the skill he had learnt, practised meticulously and came up with a few illusions of his own. When he came across his mentor again a month later he was more than impressed.

"I love the buzz of how people react," said Damien who used to show off his skills to class mates - including Big Brother's Charley, at Thomas Tallis School, Kidbrooke Park Road.

Considering himself an urban performer but aiming his magic at all ages and cultures, Damien's tricks include making a chosen card jump from the deck and getting coins into cans and glasses. Rappers 50 Cent and Coolio and The Beckhams have been among his amazed audiences. If he doesn't manage to get VIP access, Damien impresses minders with magic. This is exactly the way he met 50 Cent.

"50 Cent is the top person I've performed for. He was a very humble guy and really appreciated the tricks. He laughed and said What the f*** is wrong with you'."

He added: "The reactions are such a buzz, the celebs are just a bonus. When I make people smile it feels amazing."

Damien O' Brien, Invincible TV (channel 966), starts September 8. 2pm to 3pm. Visit damienobrien.com