Strictly Come Dancing's Debbie McGee reveals how Paul Daniels' death cost her more than just losing her husband
TV magician Paul Daniels, who was married to his long-time assistant and stage partner Debbie McGee, died on March 17, 2016, at the age of 77 after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
Debbie McGee admits Paul Daniels' death cost her more than just losing her husband.
The TV magician died at his home in Berkshire on March 17, 2016, at the age of 77, with long-time assistant and stage partner Debbie by his side, after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour.
And 10 years on, she has recalled the fear at the thought of facing life without her soulmate.
Speaking exclusively to BANG Showbiz at the 2026 Best Heroes Awards, sponsored by DFS, at The Waldorf Hilton, London on Tuesday night (13.10.26), Debbie, 67, shared: "Before it happens, you don't know how you're going to feel or how you're going to keep going or what will happen to you.
"And then when it does happen, for a little while afterwards, you do wonder how you're going to keep going."
The Strictly Come Dancing 2017 contestant added: "When I lost him, I was really shocked. It's not just sadness. You lose your security."
Debbie noted that Paul's passing left her feeling "quite vulnerable", but the experience showed her how strong she can be - a talking point in her memoir, A Magical Life.
The Wizbit star said: "I just think that's what it's taught me is that you can cope with anything."
Asked what she has learned about love, loss and finding the strength to move on after Paul's death, Debbie added: "How important it is to have friends, and also that if you do something for somebody else, you make yourself feel better.
"So when I'm having my really sad days, I go and do something with somebody."
Debbie also revealed the two things she misses most about Paul, whom she married in Buckinghamshire in April 1988.
The entertainer shared: "I miss the laughter and his brain because he was so knowledgeable. And every day I learnt things from him. So now it doesn't happen.
"Paul’s father taught him never to go to bed without learning something new, and he didn’t. So he knew something about virtually everything. You know, talk about history or politics, loads of stuff."
Asked how she hopes his legacy will live on, Debbie continued: "I think just remembering him for his amazing ability, really."
On March 17, 2016, Paul's publicist announced his death, saying: "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.
"Debbie and the family would like to thank everyone for their support and asks that their privacy be respected at this sad time."
As well as Debbie, Paul is survived by his sons, Martin, 62, Paul Jr., 55, and Gary, 46, from his first marriage to Jacqueline Skipworth.
