Magician Paul Daniels dies at 77
Magician Paul Daniels has died aged 77 a few weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.
He passed away early this morning at his Berkshire home with wife Debbie McGee.
Daniels’ agent confirmed his death in a statement: “Debbie and the family would like to thank everyone for their support and asks that their privacy be respected at this sad time.”
On 20 February 2016, he had a fall and was taken to hospital, where it was revealed by family that he had been diagnosed with an “incurable brain tumour”.
He was released from hospital to spend his last days at home.
Born as Newton Edward Daniels at South Bank, Middlesbrough in 1938, Daniels’ interest in magic began at the age of 11 andhis professional career started in 1969 when he was offered a summer season at Newquay.
The next year Daniels came second in talent show Opportunity Knocks, and was offered a regular spot at the ITV variety show The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club.
Paul Daniels fronted BBC’s magic show of the same name for 15 years and became one of the biggest stars on British TV. He became known for a number of catchphrases, the most famous of which is: “You’ll like this… not a lot, but you’ll like it.”
His son, Gary Daniels, tweeted a picture with a crying bunny:
It is with incredible sadness that I can confirm that Dad, Paul Daniels, passed away over night. #PaulDaniels pic.twitter.com/b2tz7dl1S7
— Gary Daniels (@AllNRG) March 17, 2016
A number of TV stars paid tribute to the magician.
We have lost a lovely, kind and MAGIC man @thepauldaniels Love you & thinking of u @thedebbiemcgee . I shall miss him ‘A LOT’ xx
— Keith Chegwin (@keithchegwin) March 17, 2016
RIP the amazing magician & fantastic entertainer Paul Daniels. Thoughts with the lovely @thedebbiemcgee ❤️
— Duncan Bannatyne (@DuncanBannatyne) March 17, 2016
RIP Paul Daniels, a thoughtful skeptic, enemy of hucksterism and paranormal flimflam, and gifted magician. My condolences to his family.
— Louis Theroux (@louistheroux) March 17, 2016
Do you have any fond memories of Paul Daniels? Share your stories and send us pictures on Twitter @NPNewsOnline or at our email address: newperspectives@mail.com
Incredible talent