Join Paul Daniels as he conjures up a host of seasonal surprises and introduces his special guests with their remarkable skills. from Broadway: America's foremost magician Harry Blackstone, from Paris: the dazzling puppets of Compagnie Philippe Genty, from Hollywood: the quick-change talents of Michael McGiveney, from Japan: the ballerina on the golden bicycle Lilly Yokoi.

In a special programme for the festive season Paul Daniels takes a magical excursion into the world of pantomime and, with the help of star guest Ron Moody, conjures up a Victorian Christmas in a magical tribute to Charles Dickens. He also introduces his international guests with their remarkable skills: from Broadway, America's premier prestidigitator Harry Blackstone Jr ; from Las Vegas, the brilliant ventriloquist Ronn Lucas ; and from Paris, making its first performance in England for over 100 years, Antonio Diavolo, the intriguing trapeze automaton of 19th-century French magician, Robert-Houdin, presented by John Gaughan. Special guest appearances by Pamela Armstrong, Anita Dobson, Gorden Kaye, Desmond Lynam, Ruth Madoc and Gary Wilmot.

This week Paul Daniels braves the watery wastes of Lake Windermere, in the company of special guest David Vine , in an attempt to escape from being torn apart by two power boats piloted by 'The Fastest Woman on Water', Gina Campbell , with Steve Ancsell. He also welcomes back to the show America's premier Prestidigitator Harry Blackstone Jr , who presents two further segments from his Broadway show, as well as introducing, from East Germany, the incredible chair-balancing of Klaus Lohse.