Eighties magician Wayne Dobson's ex-wife Marianne shares 'sadness' in heartfelt tribute upon his death aged 68 amid his battle with multiple sclerosis

Daily Mail​

08-07-2025

Wayne Dobson's ex-wife Marianne has shared a heartfelt tribute to the 80s magician upon the sad news of his death.
The entertainer's brother Phil confirmed Wayne had passed away at the age of 68 in a statement shared to Facebook on Monday.
Wayne, who became the youngest member of Leicester Magic Circle aged 16, had a lengthy battle with multiple sclerosis (MS), which he was diagnosed with in 1988.
Following the news of his death, his ex-wife Marianne shared her 'sadness' and looked back at their years of 'real joy' before their difficult split.
The couple got together in 2000 and tied the knot five years later. However, they split in 2014, with Wayne alleging that she had an affair with his best friend Bobby Davro - which they both strongly denied.
Despite their difficult separation, Marianne praised Wayne for his 'charisma and passion for magic', which she said has left a 'lasting' impression on the industry.
In a statement, Marianne - who now works as a hairdresser in Hampshire - shared her sadness over his passing but voiced her 'gratitude' for her years with Wayne.
'Today, I find myself reflecting on Wayne, my late husband, with a mix of sadness and gratitude,' she told MailOnline.
'Although in recent years our paths had drifted apart, I want to honour the good times we once shared. In our earlier years, we had love, laughter, and memories that I will always cherish.
'Wayne lived with a dreadful disease that no one should have to endure, and he faced it with a resilience that was nothing short of remarkable.
'Despite the challenges, he remained an inspiring figure especially within the magic community, where he was so deeply respected and admired.
'His skill, charisma, and passion for magic left a lasting impression on everyone who had the pleasure to know or watch him.
'People often have no idea what it's like caring for someone with such debilitating effects of his illness, The strain it puts on a relationship, on both sides, can be immense.
'Despite everything he faced, I think most would agree that Wayne always rose above the challenges thrown at him with strength, dignity, and a deep passion for his craft.
'Though our story changed course in 2014, I want people to know that there was once real joy between us.
'Wayne, Thank you for the Magic on stage and in life. God bless … Sleep well.'
Wayne and Marianne - who has sons Jonathan and Julian from a past relationship - met at a Surrey hospital in 2001 when he was having physiotherapy.
Marianne was going through a marriage split at the time while Wayne had divorced his first wife Karen six months earlier.
The magician previously said their attraction was 'instant' and described Marianne as the 'love of his life' in a 2008 interview.
They married four years later but their divorce was finalised in 2016 after a bitter two-year ordeal.
Following their separation, Wayne alleged that Marianne had slept with his best friend, fellow TV magician Bobby Davro, claims which they strongly denied.
Wayne first met Bobby when they both rose to fame in the 1980s and they became close friends, often spending time together on the magic circuits.
Wayne claimed Marianne and Bobby spent time together while he toured with his magic act, but alleged after his marriage breakdown that they had an affair.
'I trusted him and my wife and they let me down,' Wayne told the Mirror.
'I blame Bobby for being weak, myself for having a disease that means I'm in this wheelchair and my wife for hurting me.'
Both Bobby and Marianne strongly denied Wayne's claims that they slept together, according to the Mirror.
A representative for Bobby told MailOnline in 2016: 'We find it interesting that Mr Dobson would choose to make these false allegations at this time when Bobby is notably unable to comment.
'However we can confirm that Bobby never had an affair with Marianne and considered both her and Wayne to be good friends. He will be deeply saddened to hear these untrue accusations.'
At the time, Marianne said of the reason for their split: 'I could no longer cope with Wayne's disability. I've had breast cancer myself which I've just got over.'
Wayne's brother Phil confirmed the magician's death in a statement shared to Facebook on Monday.
It read: 'It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today. He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.'
Wayne's last years were spent living at Grovers Manor in Hindhead, Surrey, with round the clock care amid his battle with multiple sclerosis (MS).
MS is a chronic autoimmune condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, which control bodily functions.
Wayne became the youngest member of Leicester Magic Circle at age just 16 after showing an interest in magic from an early age.
After winning the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention, he went on to appear on Blue Peter, which in turn sparked a successful career for him.
Wayne went on to perform with the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr, while he also as supported Engelbert Humperdinck on an American tour.
As his popularity continued to soar in the 80s, Wayne performed on the 1989 Royal Variety Show, where he was assisted by boxing champ Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter.
In 1990, Wayne hosted his own TV series A Kind of Magic alongside Linda Lusardi.
Amid his flourishing career, Wayne was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988, with the star going on to become an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre.
Despite his illness, he continued with live magic, returning to the stage with a show at Haslemere Hall in Surrey in 2022.
Amid his passing, his business partner Mike Sullivan shared :'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12:03', reports The Sun.
While President of The Magic Circle, Marvin Berglas, said: 'The magic fraternity worldwide, and our society in particular, mourn the loss of Wayne Dobson, one of the great magicians of the late 20th century.
'Wayne, our honorary vice-president, wowed millions with his TV shows in the 80s and 90s and his unforgettable appearance on the Royal Variety Show with Frank Bruno and boxing commentator Harry Carpenter brought the house down.
'He did not allow the onset of MS to stop his ever inquisitive mind devising, creating and inventing tricks to the end. We will miss him.'
Fans also took to X, formerly known as Twitter, to express their grief and sadness over Wayne's passing.
They penned: 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing. A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic…'
'Another sad day for magicians worldwide. Rest In Peace, Wayne Dobson. You will be missed by so many. God bless you. You truly was an inspiration to everyone you met. Sleep well x.'
'Sad news tonight that brilliant magician Wayne Dobson has passed away. Poor fella struggled for years with MS. R.I.P to a great entertainer.'
'What a sad day in the magic world. RIP the amazing Wayne Dobson.'
WHAT IS MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS?
Multiple sclerosis (known as MS) is a condition in which the immune system attacks the body and causes nerve damage to the brain and spinal cord.
It is an incurable, lifelong condition. Symptoms can be mild in some, and in others more extreme causing severe disability.
MS affects 2.3 million people worldwide - including around one million in the US, and 100,000 in the UK.
It is more than twice as common in women as it is in men. A person is usually diagnosed in their 20s and 30s.
The condition is more commonly diagnosed in people of European ancestry.
The cause isn't clear. There may be genes associated with it, but it is not directly hereditary. Smoking and low vitamin D levels are also linked to MS.
Symptoms include fatigue, difficulty walking, vision problems, bladder problems, numbness or tingling, muscle stiffness and spasms, problems with balance and co-ordination, and problems with thinking, learning and planning.
The majority of sufferers will have episodes of symptoms which go away and come back, while some have ones which get gradually worse over time.
Symptoms can be managed with medication and therapy.
The condition shortens the average life expectancy by around five to 10 years.