AN ACT misunderstood by Britain's Got Talent judges Simon Cowell and Piers Morgan was stunned recently when he was called to appear in Las Vegas.

Former house-husband Jasper Blakeley, who had been inspired to make magic while reading Harry Potter, was telephoned by international illusionist Russ Stevens, and asked if he would like to perform at The Mandalay Bay, on The Strip in Las Vegas, next month.

The magician instantly said yes to his American dream, and looks set to make it even bigger when he appears alongside Magic legend Paul Daniels at the Cardiff International Arena in November.

Jasper, 36, of Fforest Drive, Barry, said: "I was a house-husband with twins.

"I was reading Harry Potter and it suddenly dawned on me - that I remember doing magic as a child and that it would be quite good to go back and look at magic."

Jasper, who has been working as a professional magician for four years now, got his big break when he contacted a company that made DVDs in the USA and UK.

He filmed two shows at the Gallery restaurant, Broad Street, and jokingly asked Russ Stevens, who was present, if he needed help in the USA.

Jasper said: "My friends always laughed when I said I'd perform in Las Vegas by the year 2010 - but now I've done it three years early.

"The chance to appear on the stage in Las Vegas is amazing.

"I'm not allowed to explain exactly what I do, but it's quite specialist and demanding."

The dad of five-year-old twins Max and Stella and husband of Fay, 34, has honed his skills on his family.

"I've tried it all out on my very long-suffering wife," he confessed.

"If you can impress your partner or girlfriend you absolutely know you are onto a world-class winner!"

The twins, who attend All Saints school, have got used to their dad wearing bizarre make-up and clothes and appearing as different characters in his fundraising efforts for the school's Parents, Friends Association, and for other charities.

And Max has asked for a magic set - much to the delight of the proud dad who was described by Piers Morgan as "one of the most irritating men I've ever met".

The former actor and Real Radio graveyard shift presenter performs close-up magic, cabaret magic and stage magic for adults and children.

He performed his Kockov show at the Edinburgh Festival and on Brian Conolly's BBC Two show Let Me Entertain You, but admits he has not yet cracked the talent show format.

Undeterred, the Cardiff Magical Society Entertainments Secretary is eagerly anticipating another milestone, when he brings the curtain down on the first half of a gala performance at the CIA, preceding his childhood hero Paul Daniels on stage.

"The chance to be on the same stage as Paul on the same night is fantastic for any UK magician," he said.

"It's another dream come true."

* For details, visit jasperblakeley.co.uk