Funnyman takes to the dancefloor
COMEDIAN Brian Conley is the 10th celebrity to join the Strictly Come Dancing line-up.
Conley said: “I’m delighted and honoured to be asked to strut my stuff on this year’s Strictly. My family all love the show and can’t wait to see me do my dad dancing on national television. I know it’s going to be a lot of hard work but I’m up for the challenge, so bring on the spray tan and sequins.”
Conley told BBC Radio 2’s Steve Wright that he has been keeping his part in the series a secret since Christmas.
He said: “I’ve known for some time and I am just happy to be here, get that spray tan on, my Essex orange.
“I knew I wanted to do it and they were making advances to me when I came to see Strictly on Halloween.”
TRIBUTES have poured in for the king of Saturday entertainment Sir Bruce Forsyth, who has died at the age of 89.
In a statement it was revealed Sir Bruce died yesterday afternoon surrounded by his family.
The entertainer died after a battle with his health, having recently contracted bronchial pneumonia.
Among those paying tribute was Sir Bruce’s former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Tess Daly has told of her heartbreak following his death.
Sir Bruce and Daly worked together for 11 years on the BBC programme and she praised his “brilliant sense of humour” in her tribute.
In a statement, Daly said: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news, that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away.
“He was a gentleman and a true legend and I will miss him deeply.
“My heart goes out to Winnie, his wife, and his beautiful family at this sad time.”
Fellow Strictly Come Dancing presenter Winkleman wrote on Twitter: “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.”
Winkleman took over the role of Strictly host from Sir Bruce in 2014.
Former QI presenter Fry wrote on Twitter: “There was only one #Brucie – it was more than to nice to see you, to see you more than 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, with shows like the Generation Game and, most recently, Strictly. His warmth and his wit were legendary.
“I’ve never seen anyone quite like him when it comes to performing in front of a crowd. He had a remarkable chemistry with his audience.
In a statement, his manager Ian Wilson said: “It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children. 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 and he contracted bronchial pneumonia. 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.”