Bruce heads home after hospital drama
BRUCE Forsyth was due to leave hospital last night after a health scare kept him in intensive care for five days.
The 89-year-old entertainment veteran had been admitted with a severe chest infection.
Sir Bruce’s wife, Puerto Rican model Wilnelia, 59, had kept a vigil by his bed at St Peter’s Hospital in Chertsey, Surrey, since Sunday.
A friend said: “Wilnelia was by his bedside virtually the entire time and has been amazing.”
The friend added: “Bruce just wants to get home and slowly build his strength back up again. He remains in great spirits.”
His manager Ian Wilson said last night: “Sir Bruce is scheduled to return home from hospital and would like to thank everyone for their good wishes.
“He and his family would also like to say a special thank you to all the NHS doctors, nurses and staff for their kindness and care.”
News the former Strictly Come Dancing presenter was well enough to return to his mansion on the Wentworth Golf Club estate in Virginia Water, Surrey, was welcomed by stars as well as his army of fans.
The Apprentice host Lord Sugar spoke for many when he said: “We wish you well, Bruce.”
The Voice judge Tom Jones sent his support saying: “I know Bruce and he keeps himself fit and he always has done. You have never seen him put weight on, for instance.
“He is very aware of his health so I don’t know what the problem is but he does everything right.”
In 2015, Sir Bruce underwent keyhole surgery after suffering two aneurysms, discovered when tests were carried out following a fall at home. The star has enjoyed a glittering 75-year career in show business since make his stage debut at 14.
He became a household name decades ago, hosting some of the biggest TV light entertainment shows including The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price Is Right.
He co-hosted Strictly from 2004, when it first aired, to 2014. But he was forced to miss a live Strictly show for the first time in 2013 because he had flu and made the decision to retire.
On his final appearance he made light about his role on the show, joking with the studio audience that they should lobby BBC bosses to beg him to stay.
He said: “I work as hard as anyone on the show so make sure you tell the BBC .... I write to them every week.”
He admitted he was “beginning to feel a bit stale”, adding: “It’s an awful thing to feel as a performer, that you’re not enjoying it as much as you should do and you’re not giving as much as you could.”
The entertainer, born in Edmonton, north London in 1928, was knighted in 2011.
A confidant said: “Bruce is still as sharp as a knife. He is still an incredibly fit and active man.”