Latest news with #LeicesterMagicCircle
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
90s TV Magician Wayne Dobson dies aged 68 after long battle
Wayne Dobson, a beloved musician best known for his 80s TV series, Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic, has died after a long battle with Multiple Sclerosis. The star marked his 68th birthday just two days before he died on July 7, with his family and friends announcing the sad news on social media. Dobson's brother, Phil Dobson, announced on Facebook: 'It's with a broken heart 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.' Mike Sullivan, Dobson's long-time business partner, also posted: 'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner & mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12:03. 'I will, of course, be adding more later, but for now.' Dobson became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at the age of just 16, after developing an interest in magic when he was just a child. He appeared on Blue Peter and performed semi-professionally as a magician when he was young, and at 21 became a full-time magician. In the 80s, his fame found him performing as an opening act for the likes of Dame Shirley Bassey and Englebert Humperdinck and notably performed at the 1989 Royal Variety Performance. In the 90s, he earned his own TV series called Wayne Dobson – A Kind of Magic. The series raked in millions of viewers every Saturday night. In 1988, the star was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and became an advocate and ambassador for various charities supporting those with the disease. MS prevented him from performing later in his career, but he continued working in magic as a lecturer and mentor to those in the industry. His last TV appearance was in 2018 when he appeared in Channel 5's Greatest TV Moments of the 1980s to discuss his Royal Variety Performance. Per the NHS website, Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It cannot currently be cured, but treatment can often help manage it. Some of the most common symptoms include: feeling extremely tired (fatigue) problems with your eyes or your vision, such as blurred vision or eye pain numbness or a tingling feeling in different parts of the body feeling off balance, dizzy or clumsy (uncoordinated) muscle cramps, spasms and stiffness needing to pee more often or not being able to control when you pee problems with memory or concentration sexual problems, including a dry vagina or erection problems Symptoms may come (called 'flare-ups' or 'relapses') and go (called 'remissions'), and may get worse over time. Dobson was married twice in his life. He married Karen Dobson in 1999, and the couple was together for several years, living together in Camberley in Surrey. The couple later split, and Dobson went on to marry Marianne Gomma, who would become his carer as his illness progressed. Marianne and Dobson divorced in 2016 after claims that Marianne had an affair with Dobson's close friend Bobby Davro. Dobson told The Mirror at the time: 'The divorce has been one of the most stressful things to deal with because it just dragged on. But I am over it now and just focused on work. 'I've not heard from Bobby for a long time, but it's probably for the best. Marianne and I are over. 'Magic has been my medicine. I don't want a girlfriend. I feel most at home with magicians – they're like my family.' Very sorry to learn of the passing of Wayne Dobson. I remember watching A Kind of Magic and he was a very delightful magician who deserved so much more from his TV career, had multiple sclerosis not hampered his ability to perform. May he rest in peace. — Davey Davey (@DaveyDavey360) July 7, 2025 Fellow magician Shaun Ames paid tribute to the late star with a heartfelt post on Facebook: 'Still trying to process the news that my dear friend Wayne Dobson passed away today. 'Wayne wasn't just a legendary magician — he was one of the funniest, sharpest, most generous people I've ever known. He made millions laugh on TV and inspired generations of magicians, but to me, he was just Wayne — my mate who always had a wicked sense of humour and time for a chat. More Trending 'Our last message yesterday had him laughing so hard he literally pissed himself — and I say that with love because he would've been howling at that being the final punchline. that was our last moment, I'm beyond grateful it was full of laughter. We always laughed. 'It's been overwhelming seeing so much love pouring out for him today across Facebook. He touched so many lives — on stage and off. 'Rest easy, Wayne. You were one of a kind, and I'll miss you terribly.' View More » Keelan Leyser said: 'I'm sad today. My friend and idol passed away. Going to really miss him. Wayne Dobson was a huge inspiration to me, as a child from the magic side but more importantly as an adult for not letting the most awful disease stop him from doing anything. Thank you for all the advice, the laughs and the magic.' Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Noel Gallagher's ex Meg Mathews explains why she left Oasis' comeback gig early MORE: 'Disaster struck when I went to see Oasis perform 16 years ago' MORE: Geri Halliwell only Spice Girl to snub Mel B's wedding to Rory McPhee
West Australian
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- West Australian
Wayne Dobson: Legendary English magician who amazed millions with his tricks dies at the age of 68
To those into the art of magic, he was a legend. To everyone else, he was simply magical. Wayne Dobson was interested in performing tricks and illusions from an early age and quickly mastered the art. The Englishman became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at 16 and went on to perform on a number of popular TV series that were shown on TV across the world, including Blue Peter in the UK. His brilliance and love of magic combined with his witty and engaging manner put him on the road to stardom. Dobson went on to perform with stars including Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr. His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported balladeer Engelbert Humperdinck on a tour of the US. He then hosted his own show, Wayne Dobson — A Kind of Magic. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988. He died on Monday at the age of 68. Tributes flowed in for the popular magician, who became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre and was still performing live until 2022. '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,' The Magic Circle president Marvin Berglas said. '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.' Family, friends and other magicians also honoured Dobson. 'It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today,' his brother Phil Dobson said. 'He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.' Business partner Mike Sullivan posted on social media: 'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12.03.' Fans also expressed their grief. 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing,' one said. Another commented: 'A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic …' A third added: '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.'
Perth Now
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Perth Now
Legendary magician who amazed millions with his tricks dies
To those into the art of magic, he was a legend. To everyone else, he was simply magical. Wayne Dobson was interested in performing tricks and illusions from an early age and quickly mastered the art. The Englishman became the youngest ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle at 16 and went on to perform on a number of popular TV series that were shown on TV across the world, including Blue Peter in the UK. His brilliance and love of magic combined with his witty and engaging manner put him on the road to stardom. Dobson went on to perform with stars including Dame Shirley Bassey and Freddie Starr. Wayne Dobson died at the age of 68. Credit: Supplied His success continued to grow into the 1980s as he supported balladeer Engelbert Humperdinck on a tour of the US. He then hosted his own show, Wayne Dobson — A Kind of Magic. He was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 1988. He died on Monday at the age of 68. Tributes flowed in for the popular magician, who became an ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre and was still performing live until 2022. '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,' The Magic Circle president Marvin Berglas said. '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.' Family, friends and other magicians also honoured Dobson. 'It's with a broken heart that I share the news that my brother Wayne Dobson sadly passed away today,' his brother Phil Dobson said. 'He was my best friend and I miss him already. RIP legend.' Wayne Dobson fell in love with the art of magic from an early age. Credit: Supplied Business partner Mike Sullivan posted on social media: 'It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today at 12.03.' Fans also expressed their grief. 'So sorry to hear about Wayne Dobson passing,' one said. Another commented: 'A magnificent comedian & illusionist and a wonderful friend. Devastating blow to magic …' A third added: '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.'
Daily Record
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Legendary magician Wayne Dobson dead aged 68
Wayne Dobson, the legendary magician who shot to fame in the 1980s, has died at the age of 68, his brother has confirmed. Magician Wayne Dobson, renowned for his razor-sharp wit and spectacular illusions, has passed away at the age of 68. His sibling broke the devastating news today, bringing to a close an extraordinary career that kicked off when Dobson became a member of the Leicester Magic Circle aged just 16 - making him the youngest person ever to achieve this feat. This early achievement signalled the start of a lifelong profession that would mesmerise audiences throughout the UK and further afield. Wayne's brother Phil Dobson shared the tragic announcement in an emotional statement. Phil penned: "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." His major breakthrough arrived after triumphing in the close-up competition at the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention. This victory unlocked numerous opportunities, including a spot on the beloved children's show Blue Peter, which showcased his abilities to a wider viewership. Subsequently, Dobson's career flourished, establishing him as famous not just for his remarkable tricks but equally for his razor-sharp comedic timing, reports the Mirror. During the 1980s and 1990s, Dobson's profession soared to unprecedented levels as he embarked on tours across America supporting crooner Engelbert Humperdinck, and in 1989, he graced the stage at the esteemed Royal Variety Show. His performance was unforgettable, supported by heavyweight boxer Frank Bruno and sports commentator Harry Carpenter. He also presented his own television programme, Wayne Dobson, A Kind of Magic, establishing himself as a recognisable figure in British entertainment. In 1988, Dobson received a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS), a condition that could have brought many careers to a halt, yet he refused to allow the illness to control his life. Rather than being defeated, Dobson took on the role of ambassador for the Multiple Sclerosis Resource Centre, committing himself to increasing awareness and providing support. He carried on creating and performing magic, modifying his performances when necessary, and even made a return to live shows as recently as 2022 with a performance at Haslemere Hall in Surrey. Marvin Berglas, President of The Magic Circle, offered his condolences regarding Dobson's influence on the magic world. He 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 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." Heartfelt tributes from those who knew Dobson personally highlighted the profound sense of loss experienced throughout the magic community. Business partner Mike Sullivan penned: "It is with a broken heart that my buddy, business partner, and mentor Wayne Dobson passed away peacefully today."
