Peasmarsh magicman outruns the Chaser on TV show

Richie had to pit his wits against formidable quiz expert The Dark Destroyer in the team game.

Big hearted Richie raised a lot of money for a children’s cancer charity in memory of his niece Gemma Sharpe who died in 2006 from neuroblastoma. In 2008 he hired out the White Rock Theatre for a fund raising magic illusion show.

He said: “The programme was recorded in May and I was under strict orders from the producers not to tell people what happened.

“Not even My parents or family knew that I had won any money and everyone found out last week when the show was aired, My Facebook and twitter when crazy with people leaving comments.

Richie is currently performing on a cruise ship and had to watch the broadcast on a tiny television back-stage.

He said: “I think I was more nervous watching it than being in the studio, knowing that millions would be watching.”

Richie has bought some new magic illusions with part of his winnings.