You, Brucie We’ll Miss

We look back over highlights of the multi-talented entertainer’s incredible 75-year career in showbiz

STRICTLY COME DANCING

Everyone was a bit dubious when the BBC announced they were reviving TV classic Come Dancing, but with Bruce Forsyth hosting alongside glamorous sidekick, Tess Daly, Strictly Come Dancing soon became one of the BBC’s biggest ever Saturday night hits. The unique blend of glitz, glamour, celebrities and dazzling dancing displays, all topped off with a hefty sprinkling of Bruce’s charisma and good humour, brought his charms to a whole new generation of younger fans.

SUNDAY NIGHT AT THE PALLADIUM

It was the show that catapulted Bruce into the big time – originally booked for a two-week stint to compere the new show at the London Palladium, the entertainer ended up staying for five years, becoming the country’s highest earning entertainer in the process, raking in £1000 a week.

THE GENERATION GAME

It was the game show classic that defined the 70s – with Brucie at the helm, The Generation Game regularly attracted audiences of over 21 million.

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT

With his “dollies” ready to do the dealing, Bruce worked his magic as leader of the pack on Play Your Cards Right and scored another TV hit, as well as coining one of our favourite Brucie catchphrases – “It’s nice to see you, to see you nice”.

HIS TRUE LOVE

It was third time lucky for Bruce when he met the woman who was to become his wife of 37 years, Wilnelia Merced, in 1980. The 30-year age gap didn’t matter a jot and it was plain to see the two enjoyed a rare thing in showbiz – a truly happy marriage.