2009: Merlin's year of fame

By [lchurchill]

IT'S BEEN an unbelievable 12 months for Merlin Cadogan and 2010 is shaping up to be just as memorable for the North Devon showman.

Merlin, of Northam, shot to fame after reaching the semi-finals of TV show Britain's Got Talent this year.

And for his next trick Merlin will be baring all, alongside other icons such as singer Ronan Keating and rugby player Ben Cohen, and appearing on bill boards nationwide to highlight testicular cancer.

His death-defying stunts have kept him in the public eye as well as earning him a Blue Peter badge and raised thousands of pound for charity.

Merlin, 36, was virtually unknown at the beginning of 2009 but now is regularly asked for pictures and his autograph, which he says freaks him out a bit.

Although he still enjoyed his job doing shows across the country, he said he was beginning to feel a bit disillusioned about it progressing.

But he never imagined the huge reaction he would get as a result of appearing on Britain's Got Talent, which his wife entered him for.

He said: "I never thought I would get this famous and it's not just in Barnstaple or Devon.

"But I enjoy meeting my fans — they're the people that matter the most."

The break has meant a regular slot working at the Milky Way near Clovelly, television appearances and high profile shows across the country.

But the highlight of 2009 for Merlin was appearing on Blue Peter and earning himself the coveted Blue Peter Badge.

Merlin challenged and mentored presenters, Andy Akinwolere, Helen Skelton and Joel Defries to learn circus skills.

Merlin lived in Barnstaple until the age of four when he moved to Bristol, but returned again at the age of 18.

Since then he has made North Devon his home.

He said: "I could probably earn more money living in London, but life isn't just about money.

"I love living by the sea, I have got great friends here who I can surf with and quality of life is really important to me.

"People in Devon are so friendly and chatty and I feel part of a community here — it is a caring place."

Merlin was working as kitchen porter in fish and chip shop in Woolacombe where his juggling talents were spotted by children's entertainer, Captain Coconut. He persuaded Merlin to start doing a show of his own, which began his career.

After doing stints at Butlins and other holiday parks across Europe, Merlin ended up performing back at Woolacombe, where he met Sarah, a singer.

The couple got married and have two children, Tallulah, aged four, and Kanace, eight.

Some wives might be a bit miffed when their husband tells them they are going to spend three days chained to a throne being submerged underwater for hours at a time in Clovelly or live in a Christmas cracker on Bideford Quay for four days. But Sarah has always been supportive of Merlin's stunts.

He said: "Sarah is absolutely brilliant — she is my rock. I am incredibly lucky to have her. She has always supported me and helped me out with my stunts."

Merlin is already planning a new stunt for the new year, that he will be only the second person in the world to perform.

At the Milky Way, where he does regular shows, he will be escaping from handcuffs in an underwater tank in full view of an audience.

He is also hoping to break Harry Houdini's world record of the most escapes performed and be buried alive.

His other ambitions would be to land a role in a film, go into television presenting or modelling.

He thanked everyone for the support he has received over the past year and in particular his sponsors Tiki, Define Gym and Quay Garage.