Paul Daniels dead: Magician dies weeks after brain tumour diagnosis aged 77

The entertainer was diagnosed with a brain tumour after falling at his home just a few weeks ago

The magician Paul Daniels has died today aged 77, his publicist has said, just a few weeks after it was announced he had been diagnosed with a brain tumour.

The TV star and entertainer left hospital 10 days ago in order to spend his final days at home with his family, his son Martin Daniels said at the time.

Britain's most famous magician, Daniels rose to international fame through his long-running BBC programme The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran from 1979 to 1994. He famously married his long-time assistant, Debbie McGee, in 1988.

In a statement, Daniels' agent said he had died in his sleep in the early hours of Thursday morning, "at home with Debbie at his side".

"Debbie and the family would like to thank everyone for their support and asks that their privacy be respected at this sad time," the statement read.

Born Newton Edwards Daniels in Middlesbrough in 1938, Daniels later said he became interested in magic as a young child - but only turned professional in 1969 with a summer season in Newquay.

The following year Daniels came second in talent show Opportunity Knocks, which led to him being offered a regular slot on the ITV variety show The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club.

Famous for his self-deprecating humour, his catchphrase was: "You'll like this... not a lot, but you'll like it."

In his later years, Daniels and his wife toured the country with magic and comedy shows, entertaining old fans and new generations alike with his skills.

Additional reporting by agencies