Debbie McGee found doing magic tricks ‘too emotional’ after husband Paul Daniels’ death

The widow hadn't performed any tricks since the late magician's death from a brain tumour in March last year, that was until recently however.

But, that all changed when the 58-year-old was filming new series Celebrity Carry On Barging with Simon Callow, Nigel Havers and Lorraine Chase.

Debbie, who wed Paul back in 1988 after starting out as his assistant, commented: "I did one card trick on the last day.

"Magic was never my thing but it came once people knew who I was. If I went to personal appearances they would always say, 'Can you do a trick?'"

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Debbie McGee found doing magic too emotional after Paul Daniels' death

CHANNEL 5

Debbie McGee with her Celebrity Carry On Barging co stars

Paul Daniels: 1938-2016
Thu, March 17, 2016

Paul Daniels has died at his home in Berkshire with his wife Debbie McGee by his side.

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Paul Daniels pulls a rabbit out of a hat

Since Paul died, magic was an area I couldn't go down.

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Debbie McGee

Debbie continued: "So I learned a repertoire of about six close-up tricks and in our live shows I always did quite a lot and Paul would have a cup of tea in the dressing room.

"But since Paul died, magic was an area I couldn't go down. All my work has not been related to magic whatsoever, and it [magic] is when I get emotional.

"I was quite nervous actually because it was the first time I had done something, but I really adored the three of them and felt it would add something a bit special to the trip."

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Debbie McGee started off as Paul Daniels' assistant

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Paul Daniels died from a brain tumour in 2016

She went on to say that she had been concerned she would find filming the show, in which the stars take in the slow pace of life on Britain's waterways, too distressing for her because it would remind her too much of boating trips with Paul.

Debbie added: "I did think, 'How will I cope?' but it was so busy and that was good for me.

"My first date with Paul was on the Norfolk Broads – it was a really big part of our life, we were both qualified helmsmen and one exam short of captain."

Celebrity Carry On Barging will air on Channel 5 on February 10 at 8pm.

Original Article