IT’S NICE TO HAVE SEEN YOU...
Beloved star Sir Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89
BRUCE Forsyth, one of Britain’s most loved entertainers, died yesterday at the age of 89.
Sir Bruce had been suffering with health problems for several months.
The man who entertained generations during a glittering career on stage and screen died peacefully at home with his wife Wilnelia and his six children by his side.
The national treasure went into hospital in March and spent five nights in intensive care after developing a severe chest infection.
A statement issued by his family confirmed he had recently contracted bronchial pneumonia – but said he still retained the twinkle in his eye.
Confirming the news, Sir Bruce’s manager Ian Wilson said: “A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last 18 months.
“With a twinkle in his eye, he responded: ‘I’ve been very, very busy... being ill!’
“Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated.
“The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.
“There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce’s family is respected at this most difficult time.”
Hearts
Three-times married Sir Bruce, who enjoyed a record 75-year career in showbusiness, became a household name hosting some of the biggest TV light entertainment shows in history.
He started his career at the tender age of 14 with a song, dance and accordion act called Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom and made his first TV appearance as a child in 1939.
Sir Bruce cemented his place in the hearts of the nation following his stint as host of ITV’s Sunday Night At The London Palladium in 1958.
Over the course of the next six decades he became a permanent fixture of Saturday night light entertainment.
He was also recognised by Guinness World Records as having the longest television career for a male presenter.
But his golden career came to an end after a series of health scares in his later years.
In 2015 he underwent keyhole surgery for two aneurysms, discovered after a fall at his Surrey home.
The operation came a year after he stepped down as co-host of Strictly Come Dancing which he had presented with Tess Daly since it first aired in 2004.
Tributes poured in last night from devastated stars from the world of showbusiness who told of their “heartbreak” at the loss of the entertainer.
Tess said: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am. From Barbara Windsor… ‘the end of an era’ the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together.”
Len Goodman, Strictly’s former head judge, said: “His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me for ever.
“One of his catchphrases was, ‘You’re my favourite’. Well, you were one of mine and the nation’s favourites.
“Bruce, it was nice to see you, to see you...NICE.”
BBC director-general Tony Hall said: “Sir Bruce was one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known.
“He has delighted millions of people and defined Saturday night television for decades. His warmth and his wit were legendary.”
Strictly co-host Claudia Winkleman said: “He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love.
“The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We’ll miss him so much.”
Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood said: “A true legend and national treasure.”
Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips said: “He was an indestructible titan tap dancing his way through life.
“Bruce was a true legend, to watch him warming up the audience before filming was a masterclass in entertainment.”
Stephen Fry added: “There was only one Brucie.”
Former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins said: “Didn’t he do well. RIP Sir Bruce. xx.”
TV host Vernon Kay said: “He rewrote the book on TV hosting.”
Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli said: “So sad – a new star in heaven. Goodbye dear friend and national treasure.”
Film star Dame Joan Collins said: “It is a huge loss to the world – he was one of a kind.”
Veteran Carry On film star Leslie Phillips said: “I doubt we’ll ever again see such another legendary character like Bruce, he was one of the all-time greats, woven into the fabric of British society.”
His Carry On co-star Dame Barbara Windsor said: “This is the end of a showbusiness era and the last of the truly all-round great entertainers that this country has ever produced.”
Radio presenter Tony Blackburn said: “Bruce didn’t need to use swear words to get a laugh which is perhaps something today’s comedians could learn from.”
TV personality Des O’Connor said: “He will be irreplaceable in peoples’ hearts. He was brilliant right from the start.”