Paul Daniels: TV magician dies after brain tumour diagnosis

He was at his Berkshire home with wife Debbie McGee when he died in the early hours of Thursday.

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"Debbie and the family would like to thank everyone for their support and asks that their privacy be respected at this sad time," his publicist said.

He fronted BBC's Paul Daniels Magic Show for 15 years and became one of the biggest stars on British TV.

His publicist added: "One of our most beloved entertainers, Paul Daniels, has passed away at the age of 77.
"The TV star, who was diagnosed with a brain tumour earlier this year, passed away peacefully at home with Debbie at his side in the early hours of this morning."

Image copyright Getty Images

Image caption Paul Daniels with wife Debbie McGee, who had been his assistant, in January 2015

Daniels was born Newton Edward Daniels in Middlesbrough and developed his magic skills in working men's clubs, making his TV debut on talent series Opportunity Knocks.
Daniels was known for a string of catchphrases, including the line: "You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it."
He had recently returned from hospital to his Berkshire home, having been diagnosed in February. It was initially suspected he had suffered a stroke after he fell at home, but it was then discovered he had an inoperable tumour.
His son, Martin Daniels, said at the time: "He has said before, 'When it's your time it's your time' and that's how he is trying to face up to things."

'Outstanding showman'

McGee had thanked fans for support earlier this month, writing: "I wish I could answer all your wonderful messages individually but there are so many. They are all appreciated so much.
"Paul and I had no [idea] of how people felt. Truly amazing. Thank you."
As well as McGee, who had been his on-stage assistant, Daniels leaves his three sons from a previous marriage.
Daniels' son Gary has tweeted a picture of a rabbit in a magician's hat with a tear in its eye, and wrote: "It is with incredible sadness that I can confirm that Dad, Paul Daniels, passed away overnight."

Image copyright Gary Daniels/Twitter Mark Linsey, acting director of BBC Television, said: "Paul was an outstanding showman and one of the great entertainers of BBC television.
"His long-running magic show delighted viewers, as did his BBC One quiz shows Odd One Out, Wipeout and Every Second Counts and children's favourite Wizbit.
"He will be missed and our thoughts are with his family."
Graham Howe, a friend of Daniels, told BBC's Victoria Derbyshire programme he would remember the magician "as a kind, gentle man and actually, what you saw was what you got."
TV personality Keith Chegwin tweeted: We have lost a lovely, kind and MAGIC man @thepauldaniels Love you & thinking of u @thedebbiemcgee. I shall miss him 'A LOT'."
Louis Theroux, who filmed a documentary with Daniels and McGee, wrote: "RIP Paul Daniels, a thoughtful skeptic, enemy of hucksterism and paranormal flimflam, and gifted magician. My condolences to his family."
Uri Geller told BBC Radio 5 live: "Our careers started off by him trying to debunk me and so we had a kind of a row in the early '70s, but then it turned into a very, very close friendship and I'm saddened for his family but that's life, and life must go on."