TV magician Paul Daniels has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, his family has announced.
"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," his publicist said in a statement.
Daniels has been married to fellow entertainer, and his longtime onstage assistant, Debbie McGee since 1988.
She and her family wished to thank people for their "kind concerns and support at this sad time" but asked that their privacy was respected.
"There will be no further comments at this time," the family added.
With great sadness https://t.co/UX8lnuFYBK
Daniels has long been a mainstay on British television thanks to the popularity of The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran on the BBC from 1979 to 1994.
He also presented several popular quiz shows, including Odd One Out and Wipeout, as well as children's show Wizbit.
Daniels starred as a contestant on the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2010, and was last seen performing in 2013 on a "Farewell Tour" with McGee.
Fellow entertainers tweeted their support and adoration of the magician.
I interviewed @ThePaulDaniels . I felt he was waiting for the gag, the punchline. There wasn't one. I genuinely adored him.
Really saddened to hear about @ThePaulDaniels - he is a true legend!!!!
Such sad news about Paul Daniels who is a lovely and talented man. my thoughts are with you Debbie.