Paul Daniels' son has thanked fans for their support after his father was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour. Martin Daniels responded to messages on Twitter after it was reported he was dashing home from Brazil to be with his father after his health deteriorated.

He wrote: "Thanks for best wishes for my dad. Flying home from Brazil today. # BA." He also shared a poignant throwback photo of him with his dad

Martin, who is also a magician, previously told the Sunday Mirror newspaper: "The news has come as a huge shock to ­everybody and the family's focus is now on being there for Paul and supporting him through this time."

Fans and friends of the much-loved TV personality sent messages of support after his illness was confirmed in a statement on his official website. "It's terrible news. He's a legend and a really nice bloke, I felt so sad when I read about his diagnosis," said one. Another posted: "Sending love to you and all your family x"

Paul's wife Debbie McGee also responded to messages from fans around the world including one from a fan of the magician, Margaret Giles, who tweeted: "Thoughts are with you both, my Dad had an inoperable brain tumour- my brother now also has a terminal illness. Bad times x." Debbie replied with five kisses.

Paul's agent Chris Davis announced the illness in a statement and the star's wife Debbie McGee, 57, ­tweeted a link to Davis's statement on Paul's official website. It read: "We can confirm that one of our greatest ­magicians and entertainers of all times, Paul Daniels, has sadly been diagnosed with an ­incurable brain tumour.

Friends and fans of the entertainer including Dynamo, Uri Geller, actor Tim Healy and Tony Blackburn, have been sending messages of support to him and his family since the sad news was reported.