Debbie McGee, 60, was married to the magician Paul Daniels for 28 years before his death in 2016, following a brain tumour diagnosis. The Strictly Come Dancing finalist recently honoured her late husband in a special tribute at The Wargrave Village Festival, where she hosted Paul Daniels’ Magic Life. The BBC Radio Berkshire host shared unknown stories about his life but admitted the evening was “emotional” for her. In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, the former magician’s assistant admitted she struggles thinking about him during his performances.
Speaking about the event, Debbie said: “It was fantastic, actually putting the show together.
“When Paul was alive I didn’t watch them [The Paul Daniel’s Magic Show].”
She continued: “Also, I couldn’t bear thinking about Paul performing. I could think about him and remember happy memories, but I couldn’t think about him walking onto stage.
“I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s because I worked with him for so long and he was such a special talent, that’s when I get emotional.”
Debbie appeared alongside Paul for 15 years as they entertained viewers with their on-screen magic tricks.
She divulged: “Putting the show together, I had days and days – because I put a lot of work into it – of watching the TV shows with my nephew [James Phelan] actually. He helped me edit it all. And I was so glad James was with me because it was really tough.
“But when it came to the evening I just loved it because the village just adored Paul. We used to do magic shows for them at the village festival.
“It’s every other year and I just enjoyed sharing the memories of him and reminding them of things on the TV show.”
Debbie revealed she told the audience untold stories from Paul’s time on stage and spoke about his life.
She said: ‘I told them stories about what happened backstage for a particular trick, when we did things for the Royal Family and just talked through his life.
“I mean he had an amazing life. So I loved it. I thought I was going to find it harder than I did but I just had the greatest evening and had fantastic feedback from it.”
She finished: “I suppose that’s a good stamp that it went it well.”
Meanwhile, Debbie recently spoke out about Strictly judge Darcey Bussell, who exited the BBC series earlier this year.
Speaking about her exit, she mused: “It’s sad. I just think she brings something a very special element to that show which I think will be hard to replace.
“You know she is Dame Darcey Bussell for a reason and there isn’t another one.”
Asked if she would consider the role on the judging panel, Debbie said: “Absolutely. I’d love to be a judge on that programme. Unfortunately I’m not Dame Debbie though.”
Debbie is currently featuring on Kirstie Allsopp’s Celebrity Craftmasters, which airs everyday this week.
Kirstie’s Celebrity Craft Masters airs on Channel 4 today at 5pm, with Debbie appearing on Friday.
