Paul Daniels was a British magician and television presenter whose career peaked with The Paul Daniels Magic Show on BBC. He died in 2016 at age 77 after being diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. Married to Debbie McGee from 1988 until his death, he also had a first wife, Jacqueline Skipworth, and was widely known for his distinctive wig.
Born Newton Edward Daniels on 6 April 1938 in South Bank, Middlesbrough, he rose from modest beginnings to become one of the most recognisable entertainers on British television. His show ran for 15 years and made magic a primetime staple. But behind the glitter and catchphrases lay a private life marked by family fractures and, eventually, a devastating medical diagnosis.
Daniels died at his home in Wargrave, Berkshire, on 17 March 2016. He had been diagnosed with a brain tumour in February of that year, after initially being thought to have suffered a stroke following a fall. The tumour was later identified by Brain Tumour Research as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive and incurable form of brain cancer. His wife Debbie McGee was present at his bedside.
How Did Paul Daniels Die?
Born
6 April 1938, South Bank, Middlesbrough, England
Died
17 March 2016 (aged 77), Berkshire, England
Spouse
Debbie McGee (m. 1988); Jacqueline (m. 1960–1975)
Known For
The Paul Daniels Magic Show (BBC, 1979–1994)
Key Insights
- Paul Daniels died from a glioblastoma brain tumour just weeks after diagnosis, at age 77. Diagnosed in February 2016, he died on 17 March 2016.
- His wife Debbie McGee was by his side and later became a vocal advocate for brain tumour research, sharing personal accounts with the Brain Tumour Research charity.
- Despite his iconic TV show, Daniels faced personal tragedies including the end of his first marriage and estrangement from two sons.
- Paul Daniels’ net worth at the time of his death has not been officially confirmed; estimates vary and his probate record is sealed.
Paul Daniels at a Glance
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name | Newton Edward Daniels |
| Stage name | Paul Daniels |
| Born | 6 April 1938, Middlesbrough, England |
| Died | 17 March 2016, Berkshire, England (age 77) |
| Cause of death | Glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour |
| Occupation | Magician, television presenter |
| Years active | 1969–2016 |
| TV show | The Paul Daniels Magic Show (1979–1994) |
| Spouse | Jacqueline (m. 1960–1975), Debbie McGee (m. 1988–2016) |
| Children | 3 sons from first marriage |
| Notable for | Bunco Booth segment, debunking fake psychics |
| Net worth (estimate) | £1 million – £5 million |
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most aggressive type of brain tumour. It grows rapidly and is extremely difficult to treat. Brain Tumour Research confirmed this as the specific diagnosis Paul Daniels received after doctors initially suspected a stroke.
Who Was Paul Daniels Married To?
Debbie McGee: Partner On and Off Stage
Debbie McGee was Daniels’ second wife and his on-stage assistant for many years. They married in 1988 and remained together until his death. McGee was present when he died at their Berkshire home and later became a public advocate for brain tumour research, sharing personal accounts of his final weeks.
First Wife Jacqueline Skipworth
Daniels married Jacqueline Skipworth in 1960. The marriage lasted 15 years and produced three sons. The couple divorced in 1975, the same year Daniels met Debbie McGee. Jacqueline later remarried and has remained out of the public eye. Very little information about her identity or current circumstances has ever been made public.
Children
From his first marriage, Daniels had three sons. Reports indicate that two of them became estranged from their father, though the details and reasons remain private. He rarely spoke about his children in interviews, and their names have not been widely publicised.
Paul Daniels married Jacqueline in 1960, divorced in 1975, met Debbie McGee that same year, and married her in 1988. His relationship with McGee lasted 28 years until his death.
What Was Paul Daniels’ Net Worth and Career?
Net Worth: An Unclear Picture
No official probate figure for Paul Daniels’ estate has been made public. Estimates from various sources range from £1 million to £5 million, but none of these figures can be reliably verified from the available evidence. His financial affairs remained private, and no authoritative net worth statement exists in the supplied sources.
The Paul Daniels Magic Show
This BBC programme aired from 1979 to 1994 and made Daniels a household name. It brought magic into prime time and attracted millions of viewers each week. The show featured illusions, audience participation, and the popular “Bunco Booth” segment in which Daniels exposed fraudulent psychics and con artists. This segment earned him both admiration and criticism.
Before Fame: From Grocer to Magician
Daniels left school at 15 and worked as a clerk before running his own grocery business. In 1969, after a summer season performing magic in Newquay, he sold the business and committed to magic full-time. His television debut came in 1970 on Opportunity Knocks, where he finished second. A regular spot on The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club followed in the early 1970s.
Beyond the Magic Show
In the 1980s and 1990s, Daniels hosted game shows including Wipeout, Every Second Counts, and Odd One Out. Later in his career, he continued touring, appeared in reality television, and worked on stage special effects for productions such as Cats, Phantom of the Opera, and The Nutcracker. In 1983, he received the Magician of the Year award from the Hollywood Academy of Magical Arts.
Why Did Paul Daniels Wear a Wig?
Daniels’ wig became one of his most recognised features. He wore a toupee made of real hair, which he began using in his 30s as he experienced hair loss. He was open about the fact that it was not his natural hair, and the wig became a deliberate part of his stage persona. The BBC noted that his popularity was undeniable even if some viewers found his style smug. His catchphrase, “You’ll like this… not a lot, but you’ll like it,” became embedded in British popular culture.
Some online sources have speculated that Daniels was secretive about his toupee. In fact, he repeatedly acknowledged it in interviews. The wig was a prop, not a deception, and he treated it with the same showmanship as any other element of his act.
When Did the Key Events in Paul Daniels’ Life Happen?
- – Paul Daniels born as Newton Edward Daniels in Middlesbrough, England.
- – Married first wife Jacqueline; they had three sons.
- – Began professional magic career as “Paul Daniels” after winning a talent competition.
- – Divorced Jacqueline; met Debbie McGee the same year.
- – The Paul Daniels Magic Show premieres on BBC One, runs until 1994.
- – Married Debbie McGee; they become a famous performing duo.
- – The Paul Daniels Magic Show ends; Paul continues touring and TV appearances.
- – Diagnosed with a glioblastoma brain tumour after a fall at home.
- – Dies at home in Berkshire with wife Debbie McGee by his side.
- – Debbie McGee becomes a spokesperson for Brain Tumour Research; charity fundraising begins.
What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| Cause of death: confirmed as glioblastoma brain tumour by official statement and BBC. | Net worth: No official probate figure; estimates vary from £1M to £5M. |
| Date of death: 17 March 2016, age 77. | First wife Jacqueline: Very little public information about her identity or current status. |
| Wife at time of death: Debbie McGee (married 1988). | Estranged sons: Some reports claim two sons were estranged, but degree and reasons are private. |
| Wig: Paul Daniels openly admitted he wore a toupee from his 30s; it was not a secret. | Specific treatment details: No official medical record of surgery or chemotherapy – known only from family interviews. |
What Was Paul Daniels’ Significance in British Entertainment?
Paul Daniels was one of the most famous UK magicians, bringing magic to primetime television for 15 consecutive years. His death brought widespread attention to brain tumours, particularly the aggressive glioblastoma form. The enduring public curiosity about his wig reflects a broader fascination with the personal secrets of magicians. Debbie McGee’s role as his assistant and later widow gave her a platform to continue his charitable work, particularly in funding brain tumour research.
What Have Others Said About Paul Daniels?
“He was a wonderful husband and a wonderful magician. He will be sorely missed.”
– Debbie McGee, BBC News, 17 March 2016
“Paul Daniels changed the face of magic on television. He inspired a generation of magicians.”
– Simon Drake (magician), quoted in The Guardian, 2016
Key sources consulted for this article include BBC News, Brain Tumour Research, Wikipedia, IMDb, and The Guardian.
What Is Paul Daniels’ Lasting Legacy?
Paul Daniels is credited with inspiring a generation of UK magicians, including Dynamo and Derren Brown, by making magic mainstream on television. Brain tumour research continues to benefit from funds raised in his name by Debbie McGee. TV archives of The Paul Daniels Magic Show remain available on platforms such as BBC iPlayer and BritBox. No major biopic or documentary has been announced as of 2025, but fan interest endures. For more stories about notable figures, read about Richard Pryor – Cause of Death, Net Worth and Lasting Legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Paul Daniels have children?
Yes, he had three sons from his first marriage to Jacqueline. Their names are not widely publicized. He rarely spoke about them in the media.
Was Paul Daniels’ wig real hair?
Yes, it was a toupee made of real hair. He started wearing it in his 30s due to hair loss and was open about it.
What was Paul Daniels’ early life like?
He was born in Middlesbrough, left school at 15, worked as a clerk, and began performing magic in working men’s clubs before his TV breakthrough.
Did Paul Daniels debunk psychics?
Yes, his “Bunco Booth” segment on his show exposed fraudulent psychics and con artists, earning him both fans and critics.
What is Paul Daniels’ legacy?
He is credited with inspiring a generation of UK magicians (e.g., Dynamo, Derren Brown) and making magic mainstream on TV.
What happened to Paul Daniels’ first wife?
Jacqueline divorced him in 1975 after 15 years of marriage. She later remarried and has stayed out of the public eye.
How long did Paul Daniels live after diagnosis?
He was diagnosed in February 2016 and died on 17 March 2016 – approximately 5–6 weeks after diagnosis.
Are there any Paul Daniels documentaries?
As of 2025, no full-length documentary about his life has been produced, but several TV retrospectives exist (e.g., BBC’s “The Paul Daniels Story” in 2016).
Where did Paul Daniels die?
He died at his home in Wargrave, Berkshire, with his wife Debbie McGee by his side.
How old was Paul Daniels when he died?
He was 77 years old when he passed away on 17 March 2016.
Daniel Mercer is Playlists & Discovery Editor at PlaylisterUK.co.uk, covering playlist culture, music discovery, emerging artists, streaming trends and genre guides.