A true great, a legend, King of TV
Strictly stars lead tributes to performer much loved by viewers
STRICTLY co-host Tess Daly last night led tributes to the showbiz genius who treated her to a decade of laughs on the hit BBC dance show.
The 48-year-old talked of a “dear friend” and Sir Bruce’s “generosity”, “sense of humour” and “drive to entertain”.
Tess, who hosted Strictly beside Bruce until he retired in 2014, said: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am.”
She added: “From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly.
“I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.
“He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor but, most importantly, as a friend.”
Claudia Winkleman, 45, who replaced Bruce as Tess’s co-host – but worked with the star on spin-off show It Takes Two – 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...”
Len Goodman, Strictly’s former head judge, said: “As long as I can remember, there has always been Bruce on our TV. He was a part of my telly viewing from my teens.”
He added: “He was so kind and encouraging to me, the other judges and all those involved in the show.
“His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me forever.
“One of his catchphrases was, ‘You’re my favourite’. Well, Bruce, you were one of mine and the nation’s favourites.”
Fellow judge Bruno Tonioli, 61, tweeted: “So sad. A new [star] in heaven. Goodbye dear friend and national treasure.”
Former Strictly champion Alesha Dixon, who was also a judge from 2009 to 2011, posted a picture of the pair dancing together on stage.
The 38-year-old wrote: “There are no words that can express how much love and respect I have for Sir Bruce.
“He was always so kind and was a true gentleman.”
Former Strictly judge Arlene Phillips said: “To me, he was an indestructible titan tap dancing his way through life.
“I’ve known Bruce since the 70s when we judged a disco dance competition together.
“Working with him on Strictly was a joy. His endless teasing of my judging style – particularly with strong sportsmen – was an ongoing joke. His enormous support after I was let go from the Strictly panel meant so much.
“Bruce was a true legend. To watch him warming up the audience before filming was a masterclass in entertainment. His quick use of comedy to avoid disaster on a live show was beyond compare.
“Above all, his phenomenal tap dancing skills will always remain with me. Bruce was the best of the best.”
His good friend Jimmy Tarbuck, 77, said: “He was one of the most talented men this country ever produced.”
Presenter Michael Parkinson, 82, told a BBC radio station: “He’s an example to anybody who wants to be a star.”
Chat show host Jonathan Ross, 56, tweeted: “I grew up watching and loving Sir Bruce Forsyth on TV. Last of the true all-rounders and a true pro.”
Comic and former Great British Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins, 47, who is fronting a revamped version of his classic show The Generation Game soon, said: “Didn’t he do well.
RIP Sir Bruce.” And Match of the Day host Gary Lineker, 56, tweeted: “One of television’s great entertainers. Didn’t he do well.”
Former Strictly contestant and current It Takes Two presenter Zoe Ball, 46, wrote: “Truly natural and magical entertainer. So wonderful with his audiences. In his words, ‘You’re My Favourite’. RIP.” Politicians also paid tributes. Prime Minister Theresa May said: “We have lost a national treasure. Like millions of others, for years I watched Sir Bruce dance, sing, joke and laugh. He will be sorely missed.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, 68, posted: “A tireless charity campaigner, Sir Bruce was Mr Saturday Night and it was always nice to see him.”
Veteran Carry On star Leslie Phillips, 93, also paid tribute to his old friend.
He said: “It’s terribly sad. Regrettably, we’ll never see the likes of him again and he’ll be badly missed in our profession. He was a one-off and I’m proud to have known him.”
Debbie McGee, 58, tweeted: “He was showbiz royalty – The King.”
Singer Boy George, 56, wrote: “A true British legend. What a life.”
DJ Tony Blackburn, 74, posted: “A lovely man and a great entertainer who we will all miss. Thanks for years of great entertainment.”
Apprentice star Lord Alan Sugar, 70, described the star as “a friend” and wrote: “What a legend of entertainment. He was a friend. The whole country will miss him.”
Dallas actress Joan Collins, 84, tweeted: “It is a huge loss to the world. He was one of a kind.”
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.
“I am so sad as I was a massive fan and was in awe of his professionalism. He will be so sadly missed by all in showbusiness and his millions of fans.
“My thoughts are with his beautiful wife Wilnelia and his family.”
TV personality Des O’Connor, who was a close friend of Sir Bruce’s, said in a statement: “This is incredibly sad news. Bruce was so very special. He had such warmth and humour and was such a superb talent.
“He will be irreplaceable in peoples’ hearts.
“I have known him a lifetime. I toured with him in the early days. He was brilliant right from the start. This is such a sad time – the nation will be heartbroken.”