HE'S fooled Donny Osmond, astounded Mark Owen and left Olympic champ Rebecca Adlington speechless.

Now magician Craig James will be conjuring up a treat of unfathomable tricks for VIP guests at tomorrow's Unicef Soccer Aid, where Robbie William's England team will take on the Rest of the World.

The 31-year-old from Shirebrook will entertain celebrities, the charity's ambassadors and major sponsors at Manchester United's Old Trafford ground.

Craig, who specialises in close-up sleight-of-hand tricks with coins, cards and rings, as well as mind reading, said: "It's an honour and a privilege to entertain guests for such a fantastic cause."

Welsh-born Craig, a former Airtours entertainment manager, has built up a reputation as one of the most sought-after close up magicians in the UK and Europe.

His tricks astounded Donny Osmond at a concert celebrating his family's Welsh roots.

"His ancestors came from Merthyr Tydfil and that's where I'm from," said Craig. "I entertained him and his family in the VIP lounge."

There was stunned silence from double Olympic gold medalist Rebecca Adlington at her homecoming party in Mansfield after the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

And Harry Potter's Draco Malfoy, aka actor Tom Fenton, was amazed when he saw the act. He said: "That was unbelievable.. .I'm really impressed."

Craig said: "I thoroughly enjoy what I do and when you can entertain entertainers who are high up in their field and impress then with what I do, that is a massive boost."

As well as celebrity parties, Craig entertains at weddings and corporate functions including bookings at exclusive locations such as the Burj Al Arab in Dubai – voted the world's most luxurious hotel – and the Orient Express.

Craig, who is married to Bridget, 33, says his five-year-old son Dylan is his toughest critic when he's practicing his skills.

"The more childlike or innocent-minded you are, the harder you are to fool as you think very basically," said Craig. "Dylan says 'Dad, if it's not in your right hand, then it's got to be in your left'.

"The more intelligent you are, the easier you are to trick because intelligent people try to over think things."