ONE of the nation's most respected entertainers has died aged 77.

Paul Daniels, who was diagnosed with an incurable brain tumour earlier this year, died in the early hours of today [Thursday].

Daniels' son Gary tweeted a picture of a rabbit in a magician's hat with a tear in its eye earlier this morning, and confirmed the news.

He wrote: "It is with incredible sadness that I can confirm that Dad, Paul Daniels, passed away overnight."

Mr Daniels died at his Wargrave home where he was spending time with his wife Debbie and their family.