Debbie McGee has admitted “nobody has control over who they fall for” as she addressed the prospect of moving on from her late husband and TV co-star Paul Daniels. Speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, the Strictly 2017 star revealed that although romance hasn’t come her way as of yet, she would be open to falling in love again.
Paul tragically died eight years ago, after the famous magician was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour. Over the weekend, Debbie marked the anniversary of the star’s death with an emotional social media post.
When quizzed on the subject of grief and finding love again, Debbie candidly replied: “That is a difficult question to answer. I am not looking for love, I am just enjoying myself.
“But if it came along, of course I would fall in love. Nobody has control; over who they fall for. But for now, that has not happened, and I am content.”
Debbie also shared how loneliness hit her more when she was at home by herself after losing Paul. She recalled: “I did [struggle with loneliness] at first – mostly being at home alone, not when I was out.”
Luckily for the former magician’s assistant, Strictly Come Dancing came along at just the right time when she was finding her grieving process particularly tough to cope with.
While sharing her support for Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal, Debbie told Express.co.uk that throwing herself into learning how to dance with partner Giovanni Pernice brought her smile back after Paul’s death.
She poignantly revealed: “Strictly helped me in so many ways. Firstly, it is the most wonderful show – every single member of the team is supportive.
“It gave me the confidence to be Debbie McGee, and not part of a duo, which I had been for nearly 40 years.”
Debbie’s joy on the dance floor translated to success in the competition, with the star making it to the final of the BBC show with Giovanni.
Currently, Debbie is working with a production company to create a “nice documentary” about Paul’s life, as she feels that despite his fame, “there is so much the public do not know about him”.
One in four people don’t get the end of life care they need. Marie Curie’s Great Daffodil Appeal encourages people to donate and wear a daffodil to help the charity continue to support people with any illness they’re likely to die from. For information and to donate visit: Mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil