Paul Daniels: Watch five of his most popular magic tricks including the legendary chop cup

Tributes paid to the late Paul Daniels have praised him as a "gifted magician" and a "lovely, kind man". The TV star died in the early hours of Thursday (17 March) at the age of 77, just weeks after being diagnosed with a brain tumour.

Daniels' TV career began with an appearance on the talent show Opportunity Knocks in 1970. He then went on to front the BBC's Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran for 15 years and made him one of British TV's biggest ever stars.

Tributes have flowed from the entertainment industry and fellow magicians. Louis Theroux wrote on Twitter: "RIP Paul Daniels, a thoughtful skeptic, enemy of hucksterism and paranormal flimflam, and gifted magician." Keith Chegwin added: "We have lost a lovely, kind and MAGIC man @thepauldaniels. Love you & thinking of u @thedebbiemcgee . I shall miss him 'A LOT' xx."

Steven Frayne – most commonly known as the magician Dynamo – was asked by the Yorkshire Evening Post earlier in March who his magic heroes were. He replied: "Paul Daniels. People forget how good he was. These days he's remembered for his catchphrases and particular style and maybe that wouldn't work today but in his day, he was one of the best magicians this country has ever seen."

IBTimes UK presents five of some of Daniels' most popular magic tricks. We start with his legendary "chop cup" routine, which he reportedly practiced almost 300 times to perfect...

1. The chop cup routine