Farewell, Brucie.. a showbiz legend

NICE to see you, to see you … NICE.

Sir Bruce Forsyth was famous for his array of memorable catchphrases that kept Britain entertained for well over half a century.

That cheeky smile and impish wit were key parts of a package that made him one of the most popular TV personalities of his era.

His big break came when he hosted Sunday Night at the London Palladium in 1958 and his public image was fixed by his time on The Generation Game during the 70s.

Yet Brucie – as he was affectionately known – was still performing with the same energy and enthusiasm right into his 80s.

Who can forget his hilarious version of Gangnam Style on Strictly Come Dancing just a few years ago? Or his easy rapport with co-host Tess Daly?

Bruce’s versatile performances on the BBC’s most popular prime-time show demonstrated that, even at his advanced age, he had the ability to remain on top of his game.

These professional achievements rightly saw him knighted in the Birthday Honours of 2011 following a high-profile public campaign from his fans.

Born into a Salvation Army family in 1928, Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson always seemed destined for showbusiness.

He left home at just 14 and began touring Britain as The Boy Bruce – The Mighty Atom. He made his radio debut in 1942.

Bruce was also a loving father of six, with five daughters from his first two marriages and one son from his last and current marriage to Puerto Rican former Miss World Wilnelia Merced.

He’ll be remembered as one of the greatest all-round entertainers Britain ever produced and a national treasure. As Brucie himself would have said: Didn’t he do well?