Debbie McGee found the build-up to Christmas difficult after Paul Daniels died.
The 60-year-old star admitted she has struggled during the festive season after her husband passed away aged 77 in 2016, and she has learned to "deal" with it following the magician’s death.
Appearing on ITV’s ‘Loose Women’, she said: "You have to find a way of dealing with Christmas. I realised that the first two Christmases, I did panto because I felt like I needed to be busy.
"It wasn’t Christmas Day, it’s that build-up where everybody’s out shopping… Even now, listening to Christmas songs is when I get emotional."
While it has been tough, Debbie has revealed this year has been easier as she has put up the Christmas tree for the first time, with her family rallying round to help her decorate.
She added: "This year is the first year that I put the tree up. Paul dressed up as Santa but would put a policeman’s helmet on so that our nieces and nephews couldn’t go near the presents.
"He loved those automaton toys, we had a Father Christmas ski slope around the tree. The family would buy him a new toy each year and our house was like a grotto.
"This is the first year I’ve got them all out and I’ve got one in my panto dressing room."
Meanwhile, Debbie recently revealed she has started thinking about dating again and if she was to fall in love with another man she would consider tying the knot again.
She previously said: "I am just enjoying my life. I’ve male friends that have taken me to dinner or for drinks – and that is lovely. I would marry again if I met the right person but I am not looking."
Debbie McGee struggled with Christmas after Paul Daniels’ death
