‘I WANT DRAMA, CONFLICT & STRUGGLE!'

Derren Brown talks TV Times through 20 years of mind-bending illusions...

- Sean Marland

Over the last two decades, Derren Brown has convinced a man he was living through a zombie apocalypse, persuaded

someone to push a complete stranger to his death and tricked an unsuspecting chap with a fear of flying into landing an aeroplane!

So we’ve come to expect nothing less than mind-blowing stunts and must-see moments from the BAFTA-winning psychological illusionist since he made his TV debut in 2000 with C4’s Mind Control.

To celebrate 20 years of magic and mayhem, C4 is dedicating a night to Derren, 49, starting with a two-hour special, Derren Brown: 20 Years of Mind Control: Live.

As well as looking back at his past illusions and sharing secrets about the meticulous logistics involved, Derren will be performing a brand-new stunt live! Afterwards, the man himself will present a countdown of the nation’s favourite Derren events, as voted for by viewers.

TV Times called Derren for a chat about how he sees his career so far – and to find out whether it’s possible to hypnotise someone over Zoom!

Does it seem like 20 years since your first C4 show?