Paul Daniels – Cause of Death, Life, and Legacy

Paul Daniels was one of Britain’s most beloved television magicians, known for his quick wit, elaborate tricks, and a catchphrase that became part of the national lexicon. For more than three decades, he entertained millions on the BBC and inspired a generation of performers. When he died in 2016, the news prompted an outpouring of grief – and a wave of questions about his illness, his finances, and his private life.

The public knew him as the man in the white wig who made magic feel accessible. But behind the stage persona was a complex individual whose life included a remarkable career, a devoted partnership with Debbie McGee, and a sudden, devastating illness. This article presents the verified facts about Paul Daniels, drawing on official records, news reports, and statements from those closest to him.

What Was Paul Daniels’ Cause of Death?

• Paul Daniels was one of the most recognisable TV magicians in the UK, known for his catchphrase ‘You’ll like this… not a lot, but you’ll like it!’.
• He died from an inoperable brain tumour just weeks after diagnosis, aged 77.
• His estate was valued at approximately £500,000 after paying off debts of over £1 million, leaving the bulk to his wife Debbie McGee.
• His iconic wig was a trademark – he was bald and used wigs as part of his stage persona.
• He was married twice: first to Jacqueline Skeates (1963–1975) and then to Debbie McGee from 1988 until his death.

Paul Daniels died on 17 March 2016 at his home in Wargrave, Berkshire, with his wife Debbie McGee at his side. The cause was an inoperable glioblastoma multiforme brain tumour, diagnosed only weeks before. According to Wikipedia, he initially suffered a dizzy spell and fall in late January 2016 and was treated for suspected pernicious anaemia. A CT scan later revealed a massive shadow covering half of his brain. The tumour was deemed terminal by a multi-disciplinary team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford; doctors gave him two months, but he survived just one month and five days after diagnosis. The Brain Tumour Research charity confirmed the details in a tribute.

Who Was Paul Daniels’ Wife and What Happened to His First Wife?

Debbie McGee: Partner, Assistant, and Widow

Daniels’s wife and long-time assistant was Debbie McGee, born 31 October 1958. They married on 2 April 1988 in Buckinghamshire. The couple first met in May 1979 during rehearsals for his summer show in Great Yarmouth. McGee became a household name through her appearances on The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which regularly attracted 15 million UK viewers and was sold to 43 countries. According to Debbie McGee’s Wikipedia entry, after Daniels’s death she continued her career in television, stage, and radio, notably appearing on Strictly Come Dancing and in various theatrical productions.

Paul Daniels’ First Wife: Jacqueline Skeates

Before Debbie McGee, Daniels was married to Jacqueline Skeates from 1963 to 1975. The couple had three sons: Gary, Paul Jr., and Martin. Public information about Skeates is limited; the divorce was relatively private. No further details about her later life are available in published sources.

Did Paul Daniels Have Children?

Yes, he had three sons from his first marriage. None of them followed him into the magic profession in a public capacity.

What Was Paul Daniels’ Net Worth at the Time of His Death?

Paul Daniels’s total fortune at death was not publicly disclosed, but probate records reported by The Guardian in September 2016 indicate he left his wife just under £500,000 after paying off debts of more than £1 million. The exact net worth before debts remains unclear, as multiple sources give varying estimates; the probate figure is considered the most reliable according to the Guardian report. Debbie McGee’s own net worth has not been officially confirmed, as noted by Yahoo UK.

Why Did Paul Daniels Wear a Wig?

The white wig was a trademark of Paul Daniels’s stage persona, but the specific reason for wearing it is not fully documented. According to Wikipedia, he was bald and used wigs as part of his image. In interviews, he explained that he started wearing one because he was going bald and found it boosted his stage confidence. It became a visual shorthand for his brand of light-hearted, accessible magic.

How Old Was Paul Daniels When He Died and What Was His Early Life Like?

Paul Daniels was 77 years old when he died on 17 March 2016. He was born as Newton Edward Daniels on 6 April 1938 in South Bank, North Yorkshire. He began performing magic as a teenager after visiting a magic shop. He worked on cruise ships and in clubs, and gradually built a television career that culminated in his own BBC series. BBC News reported his passing and summarised his early years.

1. 6 April 1938 – Born Newton Edward Daniels in South Bank, North Yorkshire.
2. 1950s – Began performing magic as a teenager after a trip to a magic shop.
3. 1963 – Married first wife Jacqueline Skeates.
4. 1960s–1970s – Worked as a magician on cruise ships and in clubs; appeared on TV variety shows.
5. 1975 – Divorced Jacqueline Skeates.
6. 1979 – Launched The Paul Daniels Magic Show on BBC One.
7. 1988 – Married Debbie McGee, who became his stage assistant.
8. 1994 – The Paul Daniels Magic Show ended after 15 series.
9. 1990s–2000s – Continued performing live and appearing on TV, including reality shows.
10. February 2016 – Diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.
11. 17 March 2016 – Died at home in Wargrave, Berkshire, age 77.
12. September 2016 – Probate revealed estate worth £500,000 after £1 million debts.

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Paul Daniels?

The Legacy of Paul Daniels: More Than a Wig and a Catchphrase

Paul Daniels was a household name in British entertainment for over three decades. His show demystified magic while preserving wonder, and he famously debunked fraudulent psychics in his ‘Bunco Booth’ segment. His death in 2016 prompted an outpouring of tributes, with many remembering his professionalism and generosity. Yet, financial controversy emerged when his estate revealed substantial debts, leading to discussions about celebrity finances. The wig, often joked about, was a deliberate branding choice. In interviews, Daniels explained that he started wearing one because he was going bald and found it helped his stage confidence. His marriage to Debbie McGee was both a personal and professional partnership; McGee continues to perform and honour his memory.

What Did Those Close to Paul Daniels Say?

“He was a wonderful husband and we had 28 wonderful years together. I will miss him forever.”

Debbie McGee, statement after his death (BBC News)

“Paul Daniels left an estate worth £500,000 after paying off £1m in debts.”

The Guardian, 22 September 2016

“The entertainer died in mid-March aged 77 after being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour.”

The Guardian, same article

Summary: Why Does Paul Daniels’ Legacy Endure?

Paul Daniels remains one of the most influential magicians in British television history. His show inspired countless performers, and his catchphrase is still remembered fondly. Despite financial controversy and a sudden illness, his professional achievements and his partnership with Debbie McGee define his legacy. For more on the magician world, you may also read about Lemmy Motorhead – Cause of Death, Biography, and Unanswered Questions.

Frequently Asked Questions About Paul Daniels