Debbie McGee, 60, joined celebrities such as Countdown’s Nick Hewers, former Coronation Street actress Amanda Barrie and comedian James Acaster in taking calls from the British public for Celebrity Call Centre.
The former Strictly Come Dancing star, who lost her husband, Paul Daniels, in 2016, spoke out about grief in the Channel 4 show.
Pouring her heart out to a female caller, the performer admitted there are days when she cannot say the late magician’s name.
Speaking to the caller, she said: “The one thing I’ll say to you is that the good days now outweigh the bad days.
“There are days when I can’t mention Paul’s name and then there are other days when I can.”
Telling the listener how she deals with grief, she shared: “I sometimes have to kind of tell myself off. That’s our survival mechanism.”
Earlier, the entertainer told viewers it was impossible to define grief, as the word has so many different meanings to different people.
“I don’t think it is possible to explain what grief is. One of the reasons is because grief is different to every single person,” she began.
“You are living your life with something missing and you just feel like you’ve got this great big hole in your side and you don’t know what to do to cover it up.”
In the harrowing episode, Debbie admitted she has to remind herself that she cannot bring back the person she lost.
Talking to the caller, she stated: “I think I’m only six or eight months further along than you are and when I’m having my really bad moments like you’re having I just keep saying it to myself, ‘You can’t bring them back’.
“So you have to just feel lucky that you had that wonderful person in your life for that length of time.”
Debbie’s words resonated with viewers at home, who took to social media in their droves to applaud the radio presenter on her honest advice.
On Twitter, one person wrote: “Flicking through channels and just came accosts Debbie McGee on Celebrity Call Centre talking about grief and loss in the most beautiful, heartbreaking way. She seems like a lovely woman.”
Another said: “Watching Celebrity Call Centre and what absolute legends Debbie McGee and Steph Parker are! Amazing advice for difficult calls.”
A third commentator penned: “Debbie McGee is such a lovely lady. That call must have been so hard to listen to, but she gave a very thoughtful and caring response. Someone give that woman a hug!”
Someone else added: “This is why we all call her the lovely @thedebbiemcgee. How she encouraged the lady who also lost her husband to feel what she feels and help her as she draws from her own personal experience.”
Meanwhile, a fifth fan gushed: “Debbie McGee on Celebrity Call Centre is wonderful.”
Another shared: “Lovely advice from Debbie McGee, so very honest re. losing a partner.”
Celebrity Call Centre at Christmas is available to watch on catch-up at All 4.