One of the most death-defying magical illusions ever performed on stage is to be carried out by a magician who starred on the ITV show Get Your Act Together.

Jamie Allan is set to perform the stunt on Wednesday at the New Wimbledon Theatre, where he will risk his life in his version of Harry Houdini’s water tank routine.

The act will see him constrained and submerged in a tank of water before trying to free himself in a potentially fatal performance.

The audience will hear his amplified heartbeat whilst a clock tensely counts every passing second he remains underwater.

Invented in 1911 by legendary illusionist Harry Houdini, the stunt has only been performed several times due to the severity of danger which shrouds the show.

Mr Allan said: "For this particular illusion, it has to be dangerous for it to be exciting.

"That is what Houdini intended and we have to stick by his principles. So I’m afraid there’s no health and safety rules for me in this act."

After a few near misses in rehearsals, the magician is confident the act has been perfected.

He said: "At first, my partner was very apprehensive but she has learned to trust me to get it right and I’m certain I’ve covered all the angles."

After entertaining America for the past 12 years, Mr Allan has crossed the pond to astound Brits with his illusions, starting his UK tour of iMagician in Yorkshire.

Ticket prices range from £11.90 to £28.40. To book, visit atgtickets.com.