Debbie McGee is a familiar face on British television, known for her decades-long career as a performer, her role as the assistant and later wife of magician Paul Daniels, and her impressive run on Strictly Come Dancing. Born on 31 October 1958 in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, she has built a career that spans ballet, magic, television, and radio.
From her early days training at the Royal Ballet School to becoming the first female member of The Magic Circle, McGee’s path has been anything but ordinary. Today, she continues to work as a BBC Radio Berkshire presenter and stage entertainer, maintaining a public profile that has endured for more than four decades.
This profile brings together verified facts about her biography, career milestones, personal life, and the key questions that fans and followers often ask.
Who Is Debbie McGee? Biography and Personal Details
Quick Overview
Debra Ann McGee
TV & stage performer, Paul Daniels’ assistant/widow, Strictly Come Dancing finalist
31 October 1958 (age 66)
Approx. £2–3 million (estimated)
Key Insights
- Debbie McGee’s career has spanned more than 40 years, from ballet dancer to national television personality.
- Her partnership with Paul Daniels defined much of her public image, both on stage and off.
- Her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017 introduced her to a new generation of viewers.
- She is currently a presenter on BBC Radio Berkshire and performs as a stage entertainer and public speaker.
- She became the first female member of The Magic Circle in 1991.
- She won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special in 2019.
- She trained at the Royal Ballet School and danced professionally with the Iranian National Ballet Company.
Snapshot Facts
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Age | 66 (born 31 October 1958) |
| Height | 5′ 1″ (1.55 m) |
| Spouse | Paul Daniels (married 1988–2016, his death) |
| Children | None |
| Strictly Come Dancing | Contestant in 2017, finalist (runner-up) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £2–3 million |
| First female member of The Magic Circle | 1991 |
Debbie McGee’s Career: From Stage to Strictly Come Dancing
Debbie McGee on Strictly Come Dancing
In 2017, Debbie McGee took part in the fifteenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with professional dancer Giovanni Pernice. She reached the final, placing as runner-up, and her performances were widely praised. In 2019, she returned to win the Christmas Special.
Current Projects and Radio Work
Today, McGee hosts a Sunday morning radio show on BBC Radio Berkshire. She also continues to perform on stage and works as an after-dinner speaker and public speaker. Her career has included guest appearances on Loose Women and other television programmes.
In 1991, Debbie McGee became the first female member of The Magic Circle, an exclusive society for magicians. This milestone reflected her deep involvement in the world of magic, beyond her role as an assistant.
Earlier in her career, she co-founded a ballet company called Ballet Imaginaire, though the venture did not prove financially successful. Her early dance training at the Royal Ballet School and her time as a soloist with the Iranian National Ballet Company laid the foundation for her later stage presence.
Debbie McGee’s Relationship with Paul Daniels and Family Life
The Marriage of Debbie McGee and Paul Daniels
Debbie McGee first met Paul Daniels in 1979 when she was booked through the Bernard Delfont Organisation to perform alongside him in Great Yarmouth. They worked together again the following year, and by the 1980s she was a regular presence on his television show, The Paul Daniels Magic Show.
They married in 1988 in Buckinghamshire. McGee became widely known as his on-stage assistant, though she often corrected the label, saying, “I’m not the assistant, I’m the magician’s wife who assists.” Their professional and personal partnership lasted until Paul Daniels’ death in 2016.
Although Debbie McGee is frequently described as Paul Daniels’ assistant, her role went far beyond that. She was a trained dancer and performer in her own right, and her presence on stage was integral to the act.
Debbie McGee’s Children and Family
The available sources do not mention Debbie McGee having any children. She did not have children with Paul Daniels during their marriage. Her family of origin includes her parents, Patrick McGee and Lillian Howes, and two siblings: a sister named Donna and a brother named Robert.
Her early family life saw her parents run a corner shop before her father later worked for a company that manufactured gold rings and other jewellery. She attended Our Lady Immaculate RC Primary School and Tolworth Girls’ School in Surrey.
Debbie McGee Career and Life Timeline
- 1958 – Born in Kingston upon Thames, Surrey, England.
- 1974 – Accepted into the Royal Ballet School at age 16.
- Late 1970s – Joined the Iranian National Ballet Company in Tehran, eventually becoming a soloist.
- 1979 – Returned to the UK after the Iranian Revolution; began working with Paul Daniels in Great Yarmouth.
- 1980s–1990s – Appeared regularly with Daniels on stage and on The Paul Daniels Magic Show.
- 1988 – Married Paul Daniels in Buckinghamshire.
- 1991 – Became the first female member of The Magic Circle.
- 2016 – Paul Daniels died; McGee became a widow.
- 2017 – Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing, partnered with Giovanni Pernice, reached the final.
- 2019 – Won the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About Debbie McGee?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Born on 31 October 1958 in Kingston upon Thames. | Exact net worth figures are not publicly verified; estimates from public sources suggest £2–3 million. |
| Married to Paul Daniels from 1988 until his death in 2016. | Height reported as 5′ 1″ (1.55 m) from IMDb; some sources list different measurements. |
| Contestant on Strictly Come Dancing in 2017, reaching the final. | No confirmed public details about any further career plans beyond current radio and stage work. |
| Has no biological children. | – |
What Is the Significance of Debbie McGee’s Career?
Debbie McGee is primarily known as the long-time assistant and wife of magician Paul Daniels, forming one of the UK’s most famous magic duos. After his death, she reinvented herself as a solo performer, radio host, and Strictly Come Dancing star.
Her career demonstrates a successful pivot from being part of a duo to an independent public figure. Her popularity on Strictly showcased her dancing skills – she was a ballet teacher before television – and endeared her to a younger audience. She remains an active broadcaster and stage performer, proving her versatility across entertainment mediums.
Where Can I Find Authoritative Information About Debbie McGee?
“I’m not the assistant, I’m the magician’s wife who assists.”
Debbie McGee, various interviews
“Strictly gave me back my confidence after Paul died.”
Debbie McGee, 2017 interview
Key sources for verified information include her Wikipedia entry, her official website, and her BBC Radio Berkshire presenter profile. Additional profiles are available on Instagram and X (Twitter), though these are official but unmoderated sources. For biographical data, KidsKiddle and Performing Artistes provide reliable summaries.
What Is Debbie McGee’s Legacy?
Debbie McGee’s career reflects a rare ability to transition from a supporting role in a famous double act to a respected solo performer. Her radio work, stage appearances, and Strictly success have cemented her place in British entertainment. Looking ahead, she will likely continue her radio show on BBC Radio Berkshire, pursue stage performances, and perhaps publish a memoir. Her net worth is estimated to remain stable or grow through ongoing media work. For readers interested in other biographies of notable women, see Annie Lennox – Biography, Age, Husband, Net Worth and Songs and Pattie Boyd – Age, Children, Book And Relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions About Debbie McGee
What is Debbie McGee’s net worth?
Debbie McGee’s net worth is estimated between £2–3 million, accumulated from her television career, stage performances, and radio presenting.
Did Debbie McGee have children with Paul Daniels?
No, Debbie McGee and Paul Daniels did not have any children together.
What is Debbie McGee’s connection to Paul Daniels?
She was his on-stage assistant from 1982, and later his wife from 1988 until his death in 2016.
How old is Debbie McGee?
Debbie McGee was born on 31 October 1958, making her 66 years old as of 2025.
How tall is Debbie McGee?
Debbie McGee’s height is 5′ 1″ (1.55 m), according to her IMDb profile.
What is Debbie McGee doing now?
She is a presenter on BBC Radio Berkshire and performs as a stage entertainer and public speaker.
Related stories
Leon Carter is Celebrity & Royals Editor at StoryNative.uk, covering celebrity news, royal coverage and entertainment personalities.