I grew up with Paul Daniels. He didn’t live in my house, though he may have been there all along, hidden by one of his clever illusions. Or just crouched behind the sofa.
He was a regular on our TV on weekend evenings, on shows including The Paul Daniels Magic Show, Odd One Out and Every Second Counts.
It’s easy to forget how amazed we were by his magic tricks and illusions. And they really were amazing, groundbreaking and hugely entertaining (though I did hate the Bunko Booth).
Daniels’s death got me thinking about prime time TV when I were a lad. But I’m not about to gush about the “good old days”.
For TV wasn’t better in the past – it was different.
I loved Doctor Who with Tom Baker in the lead role, and I loved the modern revamp, particularly with Doctor David Tennant.
Old Doctor Who now looks comical, with wobbly sets and cardboard monsters. But it was amazing at the time, and it should not be compared with today’s extraordinary episodes.
Going back can ruin, not enhance, our nostalgia. I used to love the cartoon Hong Kong Phooey – until I watched an episode a few years ago and was aghast at the production quality.
I had the same experience with two series that gripped me as a young teenager – By the Sword Divided and Tripods. They were superb in the 1980s, but naff today.
I think we do ourselves a disservice when we are dogmatic about things being better in a particular era. Read more….
(Editors note: There are some stories we are glad to bring to our readers.. and there are other stories we absolutely dread. When it was announced only a few weeks ago that Paul was sick, I dreaded the day when this story would run. Today’s the day. Paul Daniels was more than a performer.. he was my friend. Paul and I regularly chatted, although we were on opposite sides of the big pond. He was a regular reader of our newsletter, the MAGIC ROADSHOW, and always took time to let me know he appreciated my work and to offer encouragement and kind words. That was SO rare from a top performer. Unfortunately, some magicians want you to think learning something from another magician would be beneath their stature. Paul always spoke like a friend and a true fan of magic. Our last ‘conversation’ included this.. "There’s too much stuff in the Roadshow! I do have another life you know..” Please don’t take this as an advertisement for the Magic Roadshow.. take it as an advertisement for a gentleman always willing to offer a kind word to others. Yes, as Paul joked, he did have another life.. but it was cut way too short. God speed my friend…)
Magician Paul Daniels has died after being diagnosed with a brain tumour, his publicist has said.
The 77-year-old was at his Berkshire home with wife Debbie when he died in the early hours of Thursday.
A statement from his publicist said : “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.”
Earlier this month, Ms McGee thanked fans for their “wonderful messages” of support.
When Daniels fell at home in February, he was rushed to hospital, suspected of having suffered a stroke. He was later diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
McGee wrote on Twitter: “I wish I could answer all your wonderful messages individually but there are so many. They are all appreciated so much. Read more….
Editor’s Note: it was very difficult to hear of Paul’s prognosis. He has been a reader of the Magic Roadshow for some time, and we frequently shared notes. Although I’ve never had the opportunity to meet Paul in person, he is certainly in our thoughts and prayers…
MAGICIAN and much-loved entertainer Paul Daniels has terminal cancer, it has been announced.
Daniels is well known in Dorset having performed in a host of shows and pantomimes over the past four decades, including at the Pavilion summer show in Weymouth.
A statement from his publicist released earlier today said: “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.”
The TV star has brought many of his shows to theatres across Dorset including in recent years his ‘First Farewell Tour’, ‘An Audience with Paul Daniels’ and ‘Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow’.
During his visits to the area he has often taken part in community events and fundraisers as a celebrity guest.
Daniels, whose real name is Newton Edward Daniels, was born in Middlesbrough in 1938.
The variety veteran’s interest in magic began at the age of 11 when he read a book called How To Entertain At Parties, and he developed his magic skills in working men’s clubs. Read more
