Debbie McGee has opened up about being told she had early-stage breast cancer back in October, days after she underwent surgery. The Strictly Come Dancing 2017 finalist said she was concerned about performing after being told she may need flesh to be taken from her thigh. The 60-year-old had two affected areas removed during surgery on January 17, and her dressing removed last week. She said she felt like the “luckiest person in the world” but admitted it was difficult facing it all without her late husband Paul Daniels.
The magician and Debbie’s spouse of nearly 30 years died in March 2016, after he was told he had an incurable brain tumour.
In a new interview with The Sun, she admitted she never thought she would fall ill after having regular check ups.
She commented: “Although I’ve had mammograms every two years I never thought for a minute I’d ever have it myself.
“It scared me to death.”
Debbie continued: “They were talking about full mastectomy, taking flesh from my thighs. That was really scary given my dancing — and I was all on my own.
“I thought, ‘This is a moment when Paul isn’t here with me’. It was much tougher to take.”
Meanwhile, it comes after Debbie said she “still loves” Giovanni, after he confirmed his romance with former Pussycat Dolls star Ashley Roberts.
She gushed about the dancer after his new tour with fellow professionals Gorka Marquez, 28, and Aljaz Skorjanec, 28, was unveiled.
The latter announced the news on Twitter, telling his 184,000 followers: “Walking towards you and extremely excited to go on tour this summer! Touring the UK with @pernicegiovann1 and @gorkamarquez1! #HereComeTheBoys Are you ready?”
Debbie retweeted the message, which included the poster for the upcoming Here Come The Boys tour, proclaiming her love for the dancers.
“OMG guys still love you all,”(sic) she exclaimed, adding two kisses on the end.