The Paul Daniels Magic Show

- Season 8

(1986)

Paul looks back at highlights of recent shows, including how he made a million pounds vanish from the studio.

Paul sports a brand-new look for his eighth series, as he presents the show for the first time without his familiar wig. Featured on this opening episode is a fantasy sequence with Debbie McGee as Maid Marian and Paul as Robin Hoodini.

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Featuring the breakdancing/acrobatics of Akro Mecanicos, the horseshoe throwing of Danny and Sue Kuchinski, and the advanced puppetry of Bob Hartman.

A Christmas Special, with song, dance, and many special guests. Among them is another mechanical doll, this time restored from Jean Eugene Roubert-Houdin's original 19th century model: Antonio Diavolo.

A packed show gives viewers tricks from Paul, stunts from Hans Moretti and acrobatics from Trio Zalewski. There's also, thanks to duo Dr. Hot and Neon, the chance to hear Beethoven's "Ode To Joy" played on juggled banjos.

Paul has fun with an audience member who can't stop laughing, and introduces the chair balancing act of Klaus Lohse and Sylvia, plus the magic of Harry Blackstone Jr.

Guests include the sword swallowing fire breather Moz Wright, and comedic magician Topper Martyn. Paul ends the show with a special sci-fi themed illusion.

Paul tries one of his most elaborate tricks, as he conducts a predictive experiment with nine local news presenters from all over the country.

Paul tries some more Indian magic, and introduces the juggling skills of Bob Bramson. There's also, due to popular demand, another chance for viewers to see a clip of Roberto Gasser and his performing sea lions from series six.

Paul's having a terrible day as viewer demand sees assistant Debbie McGee take over as the star, and Paul forced to become her female assistant as "Paula Daniels". Even worse, Debbie gets a new male assistant: Danny La Rue.

Paul signs off on his eighth series with some circus magic, and there's also tricks from Richard Ross and unique mime from Mummenschanz. Special guest Ray Brooks gets chance to be bamboozled by Paul in "Mississippi Magic".

Almost inarguably the most famous episode of the entire programme, as 10 million viewers tuned in to watch a live Halloween broadcast with Paul Daniels attempting an escape from an iron maiden.