STAR TIME: Tony performs a close-up trick for stars of the TV show The Only Way is Essex.

GREAT, DANE!: Dane Bowers expertly shuffles magician Tony's pack of cards.

MAGICIAN Tony Steward became something of a celebrity when he was booked to entertain at a star-studded charity bash in Essex on July 9, 2011.

Tony found himself surrounded by the entire cast of The Only Way Is Essex and a raft of other famous faces including Peter Andre, pop star Gareth Gates, model Bianca Gascoigne, TV DIY supremo Nick Knowles and Celebrity Big Brother star Dane Bowers.

Tony said: “No matter which way I turned, I recognised faces from the telly.

“I thought I’d met my match when I let Dane Bowers shuffle my cards – he’s certainly a dab hand. I was quite relieved when he handed the pack back!”

The event – the Duke of Essex Polo Trophy at Gaynes Park in Epping – raised funds for the Lord’s Taverners charity.