LONDON: Debbie McGee has described life with her late husband Paul Daniels, renowned British magician and television entertainer, as “a fairytale.”

McGee, who married Daniels in 1988 after many years as his on-stage assistant, said they had the kind of marriage “most people dream of.”

Daniels, credited with popularising the art of illusion, died on Thursday aged 77 after being diagnosed with a brain tumor, his family announced.

Daniels was a fixture on British television sets throughout the 1980s and 90s, fronting the hugely popular “Paul Daniels Magic Show” — sold around the world — as well as quiz shows and a children’s program.

Daniels revealed last month that he had been diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor while seeking hospital treatment for a fall.

When asked about his own mortality, the magician said: “Death isn’t scary — it’s just like going to sleep. It doesn’t bother me because when your time’s up, your time’s up.”

His son Gary announced the news on Twitter, writing: “It is with incredible sadness that I can confirm that Dad, Paul Daniels, passed away overnight.”

McGee was by his side, according to spokesperson for the family, who thanked the public for their support.

“The TV star, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor earlier this year, passed away peacefully at home with Debbie at his side in the early hours of this morning,” the statement said.