Paul Daniels’ publicist has confirmed the magician has terminal cancer in a statement released this morning.
“We can confirm that one of our greatest magicians and entertainers of all times, Paul Daniels, has sadly been diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour,” it read.
“On behalf of Paul, Debbie and their families, we thank you for your kind concerns and support at this sad time and ask that their privacy continues to be respected. There will be no further comments at this time.”
Late last year Paul, 77, had been on tour with The Intimate Magic Show. He shot to fame with The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran from 1979 to 1994, and is one of Britain's best loved entertainers.
Speaking recently of his success, Paul admitted: “I don’t take myself seriously. I cannot understand how – I guess mostly actors – tend to take themselves seriously, forgetting that we’re getting paid to play with our toys.”
Paul’s love of magic started when he was a child, but he first got into films working with his dad. “My Dad had a cinema, so I was working with movies by the time I was nine,” Paul said.
“I’m still waiting for the call to be in a movie because, as you know, I am an international sex symbol and body builder. My aunt was in show business as a dancer and she was very glamorous. In fact she was the first person to teach me how to riffle-shuffle playing cards. I did find a magic book when I was 11, but despite really wanting to, I didn’t become a full professional until I was 30.”