Illusionist Derren Brown has stunned television viewers in the UK, by apparently predicting the nation's lottery results.

Before the numbers were drawn, he appeared to write down the six winning figures on to six white balls.

Then in a small live studio, he wrote down the numbers on a card as the lottery was drawn on another TV channel, and then revealed his ball numbers matched the result exactly.

Rumours that the show was pre-recorded were dispelled by the simulataneous nature of the broadcast.

Unfortunately, Brown had been banned from buying a ticket, so was not able to cash in his talent.

Internet chat rooms are rife with fans discussing how he might have carried out his trick.

The illusionist has promised to reveal on Friday, September 11 how he did it and how viewers at home can also do it.

Speaking about the stunt before he did, Brown said he realised there are a lot of questions this brings up.

"I hope they'll be answered on the Friday night show," he said.

Derren's previous TV specials have included live Russian Roulette, a seance and a foolproof horse race gambling system.

Brown is a mentallist, magician and illusionist and uses a range of techniques including hypnosis and misdirection to achieve his illusions.

He is also a well-known sceptic, artist and atheist.

Derren has a massive fan base in the UK but is not as well known in Australia.

Today Tonight: Predicting the numbers

How do you think he did it? Leave your comments below.