Debbie McGee was talking to resident gardening expert at BBC Radio Berkshire, Colin Evans, when her late husband Paul Daniels’ “smelly” secret was revealed. The Strictly Come Dancing finalist burst into laughter after she recalled what the magician used to buy. The 60-year-old, who hosts a weekly weekend show for the station, said she was glad to finish her spouse’s manure. Her companion branded it the TV star’s “legacy”, saying if he knew he’d find it very amusing.
“Hydrangeas can certainly do with a feed,” Colin had started. “If you were trimming them back, give them a feed. Pelleted chicken manure – has it all gone, Debbie?”
It appeared that this was something he and Debbie had spoken about at length before, as she spoke of her own gardening recently.
“At last, Colin!” she replied. “It has all gone and it’s smelly stuff as well. I might have to get some more though.”
He told her: “Well I’m glad you got rid of the pelleted chicken manure,” as she explained where it had come from.
Debbie continued: “Oh I have. And I was glad to get rid of it, as you know. It went on for years, the amount my husband bought.
“Little did he know that, after he died, I could still be spreading that chicken manure around that garden.”
Colin told her: “I can’t believe that’s Paul’s legacy, to be absolutely honest with you. He’d think that was hilarious.”
Laughing, she quickly agreed with her co-star: “He would, especially as he didn’t spread it around the garden [himself].”
“No, I know,” he mused, as she added how he would be far from the one having to use it at their home.
Debbie added: “He loved buying all these things and then go, ‘Go on Deb, give it a go. That’s a job for you on Saturday afternoon’.”
She had posted on Twitter prior to the show: “Happy Sunday everyone, I am about to get going on @BBCBerkshire.”
Meanwhile, it comes just days after Debbie turned down a date in a very awkward on-air exchange.
The star, who made it to the final of Strictly 2017, was lost for words after the invitation to Gyles Brandreth’s charity event.
Gyles, 70, told the radio host: “I think it’s going to be fun and we want you there.”
Politely declining, Debbie stated: “I think I am out for lunch unfortunately in Surrey.”
Debbie McGee returns to BBC Radio Berkshire next Sunday at 9am.