The great British entertainer and magician has been given the sad news by doctors that he has terminal cancer of the brain, his family has announced.

His wife and stage assistant Debbie McGee has taken to Twitter today (20.02.16) and posted the words ''with sadness'', beside a link to a statement on the home page of Paul's website.

The statement reads: ''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.

''On behalf of Paul, Debbie and their families, we thank you for your kind concerns and support at this sad time and ask that their privacy continues to be respected. There will be no further comments at this time.''

Paul - whose real name is Newton Edward Daniels - hails from Middlesbrough and became one of the biggest stars on television after getting his own Sunday night primetime show 'Paul Daniels' Blackpool Bonanza' in 1978.

He presented much loved game shows 'Wipe Out' and 'Odd One Out', and in 2010 competed in 'Strictly Come Dancing'.

Messages of support and well wishes are flooding in for the star.

Fellow Magic Circle member and TV presenter Steve Allen tweeting: ''Sad news about Paul Daniels. Love to him and Debbie xxx''

I never heard of him, but no one should have to go through this. :/