Magic Circle president Ali Bongo dies
Veteran magician Ali Bongo, who was current president of the Magic Circle, has died in a London hospital aged 79.
One of the country's most popular stage magicians Ali Bongo - real name William Wallace - was also an advisor to other magicians and television shows involving magic.
He was also the inspiration for the character of Jonathan Creek in the TV detective series of the same name starring Alan Davies.
Born in India he began his career in England where he was billed in variety shows as 'the Shreik of Araby'.
At the height of his fame he was magic advisor to performers such as David Nixon, Paul Daniels and David Copperfield.
He died on March 8, 2009. A full obituary will appear in The Stage newspaper.
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