My 2005: Keith Barry, magician

Your hero of 2005?
Bill McComb is an 83-year-old Irish magician from Belfast who emigrated to the USA in his 20s. He’s one of the most revered magicians in the world, yet hardly anybody in Ireland has heard of him. But I’m bringing him in for my Christmas TV special.
Your villain of 2005?
Uri Geller. I don’t like people who convince people that magic can help them contact the dead or cure illnesses. I don’t like the way Geller uses magic to fool people over serious things. For example, Jordan has a boy with sight problems, but Geller convinced her that he was able to see OK. That’s a very dodgy use of magic.
Best personal moment?
Getting a phone call one day telling me that I was being given my own show on CBS in the States. Another big moment was appearing on the same bill as Bon Jovi, Nine Inch Nails and Coldplay for a gig to celebrate Hard Rock’s 10th anniversary in Las Vegas.
Best movie?
Two I’ve particularly enjoyed are The Deer Hunter and Taxi Driver. I also found Flight Plan very enjoyable in an escapist kind of way.
Best record?
I‘m a big fan of Fun Lovin’ Criminals and I’m just getting into their new album. I’ve also got Kelly Clarkson’s Breakaway.
Best TV programme?
I love CSI. And I’m really excited about the fact that next year I’ll be doing some of my magic on the cast.
Best book?
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. I’m really looking forward to it on film next year.
Best thing about the year?
Although the American government was criticised for their poor response to Hurricane Katrina, I thought the way the public responded was terrific. Even the Magic World rallied round and did charity shows to raise funds for the victims.
Your hope for next year?
To produce a really good show for CBS, and to tour live or do a good long residency in Las Vegas.
What particularly tickled your funnybone in 2005?
Tommy Tiernan cursing and swearing on the Late Late Show!
What has been your most memorable celebrity experience to date?
I went into a restaurant in the United States and met a friend who was there with Keanu Reeves. I decided to give them a quick demonstration and said I was going to bend a spoon without touching it. No sooner had I started when Keanu got really freaked out, jumped up from the table and ran out into the street like a madman! Apparently, Keanu is scared of magic and is totally nervous around magicians.