Tributes paid to a ‘truly great entertainer’

HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to beloved entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth, who has died aged 89.

The showbiz superstar died at his home yesterday surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children following a bout of ill health.

Dame Barbara Windsor said: “This is the end of a show business era and the last of the truly all round great entertainers that this country has ever produced.

“I am so sad as I was a massive fan and was in awe of his professionalism.

“I was lucky enough to know him and was thrilled to be at his last book launch. He will be so sadly missed by all in show business and his millions of fans.”

She said: “God bless you Bruce and my thoughts are with his beautiful wife Wilnelia who made him so very happy and his family.”

Former Strictly head judge Len Goodman, who stepped down from the role last year, said that Sir Bruce was one of his favourites. Goodman said in a statement: “His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me forever.” Sir Bruce’s former Strictly co-host Tess Daly said she was “heartbroken” to hear of his death and that she will never forget “his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.” Strictly’s Claudia Winkleman, who took over from Sir Bruce in 2014, said he was “the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people” in a heartfelt message.

Radio presenter Tony Blackburn praised his former co-star Sir Bruce as a comedian who “didn’t need swear words to get a laugh”.

The veteran entertainer, whose career lasted more than seven decades, had been out of the limelight for a while and last year was too frail to attend the funeral of close friends Ronnie Corbett or Sir Terry Wogan.