Nice to receive you, to receive you nice

NTAs to dedicate gong to Sir Bruce

THE 2018 National TV Awards will pay tribute to the late, great Sir Bruce Forsyth by naming a major prize in his memory.

The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award reflects Brucie’s close history with the NTAs, which marked his iconic status by giving him the Special Recognition Award in 2011.

On accepting the accolade, he said: “It’s so overwhelming – the best thing I’ve ever won.”

In 2012, Bruce was part of a classic TV moment when he opened the NTAs by performing Let There be Love with Ant & Dec. Now, one of the top awards won by a new generation of stars will reflect his impact on TV.

Bruce’s widow Lady Forsyth says: “My darling Bruce would have been humbled and delighted. Entertainment was his life. The National Television Awards always had a special place in his heart because they’re the people’s awards.

“The children and I are thrilled his flame will still burn brightly with this new award celebrating the stars of today and tomorrow.”

Voting for the NTAs has now opened at nationaltvawards.com. There are 14 categories and new next year is the Crime Drama Award.

TV judging newcomers Prue Leith and Shirley Ballas will go toe-to-toe in the TV Judge category. The results will be announced on January 23, with Dermot O’Leary hosting the ITV show.

Len Goodman is releasing a new album entitled Len’s Legends: Best of British, comprised of all the music that has helped shape his career – including a track that was recorded by his late friend Brucie.