Debbie McGee has opened up about how taking part in ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ has helped her through her grief, following the loss of her husband Paul Daniels.
Ahead of her live shows debut on Saturday (23 September), the former magician’s assistant and TV personality has said that the joy of doing ‘Strictly’ has helped her through a difficult time in her life.
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Debbie McGee
Ken McKay/ITV/Rex/Shutterstock
Speaking on ‘Lorraine’, she told guest presenter Christine Lampard: “It really is the first time since I lost Paul that I feel genuinely happy. I’m always giggling and having a good time, but until now, there was still this knot in my stomach and… the fact I’ve lost him [was there].
“But these last three weeks on ‘Strictly’, everyone is so lovely, at every level, I love all the other contestants, everybody I’m working with… they all make you feel so good and so wanted. They make you feel like they really want you on the programme.”
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Debbie McGee and the late Paul Daniels
Dave J Hogan via Getty Images
Debbie was also full of praise for her dancing partner, Giovanni Pernice, adding: “We laugh a lot, but we both have the same work ethic, so we’re totally focussed.
“We did a radio interview together yesterday, and he said to the interviewer, ‘the thing is with Debbie, is that I look at her and she knows what I mean’.
“And I think that kind of explains how well we get on. We’ve already melded together.”
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Debbie and Giovanni strike a pose
BBC/Ray Burminston
She and her 14 competitors will be taking to the dance floor with their partners for the first time in Saturday’s live show, kicking off at 7.25pm on BBC One.
Click here to see what songs and dancers the contestants will be performing.
Seeing Danny Dyer taking his trotters for a Jack Plance is exactly what TV was made for, and whilst it might seem unlikely he'd ever sign up, don't forget he once said he'd "never" do 'EastEnders'... (credit:Matt Crossick/Matt Crossick)
Nigella Lawson(02 of15)
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Nigella loves anything decadent and extra, and with 'Strictly' being the most decadent and extra show on TV, quite why she hasn't signed up yet is a mystery to us. (credit:Lou Rocco via Getty Images)
Courtney Act / Shane Janek(03 of15)
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Bosses may not be keen on casting former reality TV stars, but they should probably make an exception for 'Drag Race' alum and 'Celebrity Big Brother' winner Courtney, who would bring some drag queen glam to the often binary world of ballroom. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Idris Elba(04 of15)
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He may be busy having a huge Hollywood career, but wouldn't it be great to see Idris back on home turf? Plus, just look at how smooth he'd look in ballroom top and tails. (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Stacey Solomon(05 of15)
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When it was teased one of the 2018 contestants would be revealed on 'Loose Women', many fans predicted it would be panellist Stacey Solomon getting her dancing shoes on. And as much as we're excited to see Lee, Stacey would have been a brilliant booking. (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Richard Madeley(06 of15)
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Just imagine Richard and Craig Revel Horwood clashing. TV gold. (credit:Anthony Harvey via Getty Images)
Gemma Collins(07 of15)
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The 'TOWIE' star was holding out for a spot on the 2018 line-up by way of compensation from the BBC, following *that* on-stage fall at the Radio 1 Teen Awards. And while bosses probably didn't want to give in to her diva demands, just think of all the meme-able content she would have served up. (credit:Karwai Tang via Getty Images)
Nadiya Hussain(08 of15)
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Snapping up the most popular winner of what was once the BBC's most popular show is a no brainer, right? (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Michelle Keegan(09 of15)
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The former 'Corrie' star has been tipped for 'Strictly' every year in recent memory, so we'd like her finally do it, even if it's just so we never have to hear a "Michelle Keegan for 'Strictly'" rumour again. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Rio Ferdinand(10 of15)
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Every series needs a sportsman, and what better man than former England captain and all-round good guy Rio Ferdinand? Given all that footwork on the pitch, we reckon he'd probably have the moves on the dancefloor too. (credit:Pierre Suu via Getty Images)
Beverley Callard(11 of15)
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From the look of this picture, the wardrobe department wouldn't even have to make any outfits for Bev - she'd be able to bring in her own frocks. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Greg James(12 of15)
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Having taken over as the host of the Radio 1 Breakfast Show, Greg has just earned a whole new following. And what better way to capitalise on that than by doing 'Strictly'? (credit:Neil Mockford via Getty Images)
Alan Carr(13 of15)
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Far be from us to suggest Alan would not be the most talented of dancers, but he'd be guaranteed to bring the laughs. (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Sara Cox(14 of15)
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The Radio 2 DJ was robbed of a full run as a contestant when she took part in the 2013 Christmas special, if you ask us. (credit:Ian West - PA Images via Getty Images)
Paddy McGuinness(15 of15)
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Let the dance see the floor! (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)