The

Journal

takes a look at Merlin Cadogan's extraordinary year in 2009.

● January: Merlin finds out he and his wife Sarah have made it through to the televised rounds of Britain's Got Talent.

● Merlin lands himself a job at the Milky Way entertaining visitors to the tourist attraction.

● May 9: Merlin hits the TV screens in the talent competition and gets through after

Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden watch his underwater juggling routine in stunned silence. Piers said: "I like you Merlin. I like people just bordering on being complete loonies." Simon added: "I think you are a complete and utter nutcase — but I like you so I'm going to say yes."

● May 25: Merlin takes part in the semi-finals of Britain's Got Talent in front of an estimated 14 million viewers.

Wearing a straitjacket, Merlin hung upside down from a burning rope and managed to escape from the jacket before the rope burnt through.

Despite positive remarks from judges Simon Cowell and Amanda Holden, he failed to get enough votes from the public to qualify for the final.

● July 7 to 10: Merlin chains himself to a throne at Clovelly Harbour while the tides submerge for hours at a time underwater. The stunt raised £2,500 for the Childrens' Hospice South West.

● July 19: Merlin entertains the crowds celebrating the 166th birthday of the SS Great Britain in Bristol by escaping from of a straitjacket dangling from the bow of the ship.

● August 10: Merlin entertains crowds at the official unveiling of Barnstaple's refurbished Albert Memorial clock tower in the Square.

● September 6: Some 450 youngsters from the Guides movement are entertained by Merlin at the Milky Way to mark the Guides 100th anniversary.

● November 18: Merlin appears on Blue Peter and sets presenters Andy Akinwolere, Helen Skelton and Joel Defries the challenge of learning circus skills.

● November 22: Merlin captivates and entertains audiences at Barnstaple's Christmas lights switch on.

● November 25: Merlin reappears on the children's programme and is given a Blue Peter badge for mentoring the presenters.

● November 25 to 28: The escapologist spends three nights in a giant see-through Christmas cracker on Bideford Quay. During the stunt he narrowly avoids being rolled into the River Torridge by drunks.

● December 2: Merlin switches on the Ilfracombe Christmas lights.

● December 10 to January 3, 2010: Merlin lands himself a role on the stage of the Queen's Theatre performing in this year's pantomime Cinderella.