Cosentino, the man, the magic and his biggest fear

HE'S dodged knives, escaped underwater traps and cheated death. But one thing scares this illusionist more than any trick.

HE HAS had knives thrown at him, been trapped underwater and been just minutes away from death.

But there's one thing that scares Cosentino more than any magic trick or death defying stunt.

The grand illusionist, who has been wowing audiences on Channel Seven's Dancing with the Stars, revealed his biggest fear has nothing to do with magic or performing but rather personal liability insurance.

The star, who turns 30 next month, told news.com.au the costs scared him more than the possibility of any of his tricks going drastically wrong.

"Yes it's true, the costs of personal liability insurance are very scary," he said.

Cosentino, who discovered magic as a 12-year-old, is a household name especially after his The Magic, The Mystery, The Madness show which aired on Channel Seven.

The three-episode series saw him perform tricks which left viewers on the edge of their seats, including performing a stunt called Point Blank which even he says had moments where he wasn't sure he would pull it off.

The illusionist was strapped to a spinning board and needed to escape from locks and chains before being fired upon by a crossbow.

Was he scared? Hell, yes.

Did he think he may die? Maybe, just a bit.

"The thought this could go so wrong was very present," he said.

Even Cosentino has his moments of doubt when performing this stunt. Picture: Mark Stewart

And while this magician will never reveal his tricks, he admits a lot of practice and preparation goes into his performances.

In another trick called Dropped the star undertook a lot of extreme physical preparation to ensure he survived.

He wore a straight jacket and chains before being placed in a Perspex ball and dropped into 5m of water.

"I had to hold my breath and escape from the locks and chains while battling with the suffocating underwater air pressure," he said.

But he said it was that training and practice in front of family and crew which meant he saw success.

"I am fortunate to have a very tight knit and loving group of family and friends," he said.

"They do get worried, in particular when I do my escapes, because they are truly death defying. But we take all precautions to make sure I get out in one piece."

And he won't dish the dirt on his rivals either, insisting he likes to keep the mystery in tact.

"Most other magicians will specialise in either street magic, theatre shows or great escapes," he said. "I specialise in all three and I guess this is what separates me from the others."

While he has captivated audiences with his tricks, it seems Cosentino has also worked his magic on the dancefloor receiving rave reviews for his moves on Dancing with the Stars.

Cosentino with new dance partner Sriani Argaet. Picture: Channel 7

He scored a perfect 10 at the show's premiere but was dealt a blow after partner Jessica Raffa was sent to hospital with a back injury.

"I said in the Dancing with the Stars promos I was going to make my partner disappear, however I never imagined that would happen to Jess," he said.

But asked if he would dance with Jess again, Cosentino said it was entirely up to the producers but was enjoying performing with new dance partner, Sriani Argaet.

"The decision will be made by the producers of Dancing with the Stars," he said. "Either way I am lucky to have two amazing dancers on my side."

Cosentino is taking has The Magic, The Mystery, The Madness tour on the road during October and November. He will be performing at The Star on November 16-17. Tickets via ticketek.

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