Illusionist Adam Patel Dedicates Upcoming TV Show To Inspiration Paul Daniels

Illusionist Adam Patel is to dedicate the first episode of his upcoming television series to his hero and inspiration, magician Paul Daniels, who very sadly passed away yesterday from a brain tumour.

"Like many, Paul Daniels was the first magician I ever saw," says Patel, "And I was immediately intrigued by magic after seeing him. I immediately asked my parents how to become a magician."

Patel and Daniels met last November when, Patel says in a blog post, Daniels was kind enough to give him some advice.

"I feel very privileged to have met Paul and to have seen him perform his classic routines live. I also feel incredibly lucky to have had the opportunity to talk to Paul and to benefit from the advice that only a seasoned master could give."

Daniels gave Patel advice about performing magic on television and about doing magic as a career.

"What struck me most about Paul was his approach to professionalism. Paul was, in his own words, a 'silly conjuror' but beneath that exterior, he took magic very very seriously. And while most magicians would hold back when giving advice, Paul didn't. He spoke completely openly."

"I was deeply saddened when I heard of Paul's diagnosis. And then again yesterday when I read of his death. Dedicating the show to him now seems like the right thing to do in light of the recent sad news. I wouldn't be where I am and the show wouldn't be what it is without Paul's advice. I just wish he could have seen it."

Patel's show begins filming nationwide in April.