Strictly’s Debbie McGee: I’m happy for the first time since Paul’s death
The former magician’s assistant is having a wonderful time on the show, which starts this weekend.
Debbie McGee has said being a part of Strictly Come Dancing has made her “genuinely happy” for the first time since the death of husband Paul Daniels.
The 58-year-old TV and radio personality also shared her joy at the “connection” she and her professional dance partner Giovanni Pernice have and how welcoming the stars on the BBC programme have been.
Magician Daniels died in March last year, and McGee told Christine Lampard on ITV’s Lorraine: “It really is the first time since I lost Paul that I actually feel genuinely happy.
“But the last three weeks on Strictly… everyone is so lovely on every level. I love all the other contestants, they make you feel so good and wanted.”
On being partnered with Pernice, McGee said: “We are really plugged in. We have a connection.
“We feel really comfortable in each other’s company. There’s nothing that’s difficult. We’ve got the same sense of humour. We laugh a lot. We have the same work ethic, so we’re totally focused.
“We did a radio interview yesterday, he said, ‘the thing is, with Debbie, I look at her and she knows what I mean’, and I think that explains how well we get on. We’ve already melded together.”
Daniels took part in Strictly in 2010, and McGee spoke of his wish that she would follow in his footsteps.
She said: “I keep pinching myself, I can’t believe how lucky I am that I’ve been offered it, and I’ve enjoyed every second of it so far.”
McGee and Pernice, 27, will dance the Paso Doble to Fergie’s Be Italian in this weekend’s live launch episode.
Strictly Come Dancing airs on Saturday at 6.25pm on BBC One.
