The Paul Daniels Magic Show

Join Paul Daniels for a special edition of the programme in which television's top comedy magic star entertains in his own unusual form, and introduces the remarkable skills of his guests, including from Great Britain: the incredible illusions of Jeffery Atkins, Germany: the sensational knife-throwing of Duo Brumbach, India: the hand shadows of Bablu Mallick, China: the diabolo dexterity of Wong Mow Ting, with the PAUL DANIELS MAGIC SET.

Join Paul Daniels as he conjures up a host of seasonal surprises and introduces his special guests with their remarkable skills. From Broadway: America's foremost magician Harry Blackstone. From Paris: the dazzling puppets of Compagnie Philippe Genty. From Hollywood: the quick-change talents of Michael McGiveney. From Japan: the ballerina on the golden bicycle Lilly Yokoi.

Join Paul Daniels as he conjures up a host of seasonal surprises and introduces his special guests: from Hamburg Tux and his flying kitchen; from Paris Les Samurai, exciting exponents of the martial arts; and the brilliant illusionist Pierre Brahma.

With Compagnie Philippe Genty, Luisa, The Rios and The Trocaderos.

Special guests: Kris Kremo, George Carl, Clare Francis, Bonni Langford, Anneka Rice, Val Doonican, Larry Grayson, Robert Maxwell

This show won the Golden Rose of Montreux award for TV light entertainment. Its big finale was a circus-themed production number complete with elephant, horse, human cannonball, clowns and dancers. And Daniels sings... The guests are juggling troupe Air Jazz, the Twycross Chimps, and Tom Noddy, who does startling things with soap bubbles: The Lovely Debbie McGee is also present, but not as prominently as she would later be.

1985 Christmas Show - Special guests: Kate Bellamy, Donald Waugh, The Jazzy Jumpers, Zhou Shurong, Fenella Fielding, Ali Bongo, Lance Burton, Sooty and Sweep with Matthew Corbett

1986 Christmas Show - Special guests: Harry Blackstone Jr., Ronn Lucas, Antonio Diavolo, Ron Moody, Pamela Armstring, Anita Dobson, Gorden Kaye, Desmond Lynam, Ruth Madoc, Gary Wilmot

In this episode: Levitation in suitably macabre surroundings. The host talks about Harry Houdini, accompanied by an illusion. Eugene Burger entertains. Anne Robinson and John Humphrys. A ghost appears to be captured on film. Escaping from an iron maiden.

The show opens with Paul having fun with broadcasters Michael Buerk, Adam Rafael, Richard Whitmore and John Craven, complete with milk maid, Debbie McGee. The Korean Brave Seamen Troupe are next up to entertain with an incredible display of strength and balance. Then it's over to a cute car wash for some levitation before the second guest act is introduced. Paul Daniels was well known for bringing unusual, international performers to Britain during his television heyday, and whilst Philippe Genty's sombre clown marionette routine is certainly original and begins intriguingly, it ultimately leaves one wishing there was more to it. Next guest, Argentine magician Rene Lavand, although speaking very little English, very proudly proclaims, "It can't be made slower...." and quite rightly too as despite being one handed, shows complete mastery of the card deck, even having his own slick shuffling technique. The final illusion is left to the host, where he disappears a pantomime horse, with a twist!