Debbie McGee the widow of late magician Paul Daniels left viewers baffled when she spoke in a video message on The One Show.
The TV star, 61, appeared on Thursday’s show from her home to wish her pal Caroline Quentin good luck ahead of her appearance on Strictly Come Dancing.
But afterwards, eagle-eyed viewers made bizarre claims she had what looked like a jar, with her late husband’s head stuffed in it, on the shelf behind her.
Now the former Strictly Come Dancing star, who served as an assistant to Paul, has revealed that viewers had actually noticed something much more innocent.
Debbie McGee revealed Paul’s head was not in the jar
Debbie said an unintended optical illusion was created when she placed a framed picture of Paul in front of an antique mechanical toy inside a glass dome.
Seeing the funny side, Debbie said the picture had created the impression that his head was in the jar because of the reflection on the glass.
She exclusively told Daily Star Online: “I think he was there with me in spirit for the interview.
“He would think it is wonderful. We [friends and family] have had a a giggle about it. It isn’t normally there I moved it to clean. I looked at it afterwards and I can see what they mean.”
She joked: “I just think it was Paul’s way of letting us all know he is looking over us.”
Debbie said she thought the refection of the glass on the dome gave the impression Paul’s head was inside it (Image: DS/Brendan McFadden)
Strictly stars Caroline Quentin and her dance partner Johannes Radebe were interviewed on the BBC show by hosts Alex Jones and Gethin Jones.
Debbie, wife of Paul who tragically died from a brain tumour in 2016, wished her good luck in the video message.
After the programme, viewers made jokes about what was on the shelf.
The antique mechanical toy inside a dome which was placed on Debbie’s shelf (Image: DS/Brendan McFadden)
After the programme, viewers made jokes about what was on the shelf.
One tweeted: “Is that the stuffed head of Paul Daniels?”
Another remarked: “Debbie McGee keeps Paul Daniels’ head in a glass dome beside her fire. Now that’s magic! #TheOneShow “.
A third added: “#theoneshow did Debbie McGee have Paul Daniels head in a terrarium?”
Debbie also worked as magical assistant for Paul, one of Britain’s best-loved stars, until his death in 2016 from a brain tumour.
Debbie also worked as magical assistant for Paul, one of Britain’s best-loved stars, until his death (Image: Getty Images)
During the segment she said: “Hi Caroline, it’s me, the lovely Debbie McGee, i am just hear to wish you loads of luck for Saturday night, I am sure you will have a ball.
“And I don’t mind losing my title of the lovely Debbie McGee, because as soon as everybody gets to know you and your lovely naturally funny personality, you will be the lovely Caroline Quentin!
Caroline said: “Oh my darling! Isn’t she adorable? I did my first job with the lovely Debbie McGee!”.
Caroline and Johannes revealed they have had a gruelling training schedule ahead of their appearance on the show this Saturday.
They also told on the show how there will be lifts incorporated into their first routine – the American Smooth.
“I can barely string a sentence together, I am so tired!” Caroline said.
She also joked Johannes had a secret dark side.
She said: “He appears to be very nice, but there is stuff in here I have revealed that is not pleasant.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
