Son on Strictly star’s cancer fight Debbie’s so strong, she had to be after Dad died

always looked after herself. She’s kept herself in shape. It just shows that anyone can get cancer.”

Martin is currently on a magic tour performing in Central America but plans to visit Debbie when he is back in the UK.

He said: “We’re still really close.

I’ve known Debbie as long as my dad did. We were all in the same show. That was 40 years ago.

“The strange thing is going to visit and my dad not being in the house. You walk in and look towards his chair and he’s not there.”

Although Paul died nearly three years ago, Martin said there were no plans to mark the anniversary of his death as “that’s a bit mor- bid.” But while Martin and Debbie remain in touch, there is a family rift

to heal with Paul Jr, Martin’s older brother and Paul’s first son. Paul Jr has accused Debbie of cutting him out of his dad’s will after the TV magician’s £1.5million estate was left to his wife.

In a war of words, Paul Jr called Debbie a “witch”.

Martin has not spoken to his brother since Paul’s funeral but would welcome a chance to reunite the family.

He said: “Paul Jr drifted off and did his own thing. He doesn’t say a lot that’s why he never gets involved with the family.

“He’s my brother, sure I’d like to have a relationship with him.

“We’re not kids anymore, he’s at an age where he stands on his own two feet and makes his own decisions. People choose their own paths, and he’s chose his. Paul’s always been a bit of a loner.”

Debbie said dealing with her cancer prognosis was tougher to take because Paul wasn’t with her.

“It was really scary. I was on my own.” She has spoken about being open to finding love again and Martin would be happy if she did.

He said: “I don’t think anyone will fill the void of my dad. They were together for a long time. They