Magical moment as Bradford's Dynamo visits home city (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

World-famous magician Steven Frayne - brought up in Delph Hill - is back to meet the fans and sign his autobiography in Waterstones

7:00am Saturday 29th September 2012 in News By David Barnett, Content Editor

THAT’S MY BOY: Proud mum Nicky Goodwin with son Dynamo signing copies of his autobiography in Waterstones

Dynamania hit Bradford as one of the world’s most in-demand street magicians came home to meet his fans.

Dynamo – real name Steven Frayne – grew up in Delph Hill but is now known across the globe for his stunning big-scale illusions and feats of close-up magic.

He was greeted yesterday by screaming crowds waiting at Waterstones bookshop in the city centre to promote his autobiography Nothing Is Impossible (Ebury Press).

The 29-year-old recounts in his book how he had a difficult upbringing, with his dad in and out of jail and, as a schoolboy, becoming the target of bullies.

But when his great-grandad taught him a few magic tricks, his world changed forever.

Now with his own TV show on digital channel Watch and a list of celebrity fans ranging from Will Smith to Brad Pitt, Dynamo is now one of the hottest entertainment properties in the world.

Some people queued for six hours to see him and get a signed copy of his book, and by the time he turned up at 4pm the queue snaked all the way around the building and down the street outside.

One of the first in the queue was Jayne Williams, who had travelled from Barnsley with her son Ethan, a huge fan. Also lining up since mid-morning was Charlotte Smith, of Shipley . She said: “This is the first time I’ve ever seen him. I’m a massive fan, it’s really exciting.”

Ahead of meeting his public, Dynamo took a few moments in a back room in Waterstones to have a snack and meet up with his family, who he only sees a three or four times a year now as he now lives in London.

Proud mum Nicky Goodwin said: “He’ll always just be my son to me.”

Dynamo said: “It’s really weird seeing all these people. I can’t believe they’re here for me.

I remember when I used to walk around outside here and no-one would take any notice of me.

“Things do seem a bit mad now. I get to go to these celebrity events and these people who are massive names are there – but they come up and want to talk to me. I don’t think I’m a celebrity – I just try to be a very good magician.”