Irish Sunday Mirror

Brucie was too frail to let pals say goodbyes Showman born to entertain us

TRIBUTE TO SHOWBIZ LEGEND

- BY EMMA PRYER TV Editor

SIR Bruce, you were in a class of your own – a special breed of entertaine­r from a generation that knew all about showmanshi­p, hard graft and chivalry.

For many, myself included, the likes of The Generation Game and The Price Is Right were a huge part of family nights on the sofa.

Sir Bruce was not driven by ego, like some stars. He was not motivated by money – he was simply born to entertain.

No one would have begrudged him had he declined Strictly Come Dancing and quietly retired to the golf course a decade earlier.

ENERGY

But, boy, am I glad he didn’t. He gave us years more entertainm­ent.

His energy was just as boundless as the dancers six decades younger.

The only time I ever knew he was unhappy was when he was criticised for appearing to fumble over lines from an autocue.

He agreed to an interview with me, so he could set the record straight. He very kindly invited me to one of his favourite restaurant­s in Knightsbri­dge for some photos.

As he arrived in a car, builders on a work site affectiona­tely called out his name. And affection is what I think we all feel today for Sir Bruce.

We mourn the loss of a true legend this weekend. But we do so with warmth in our hearts, knowing he brought us all years of happiness.

 ??  ?? FAMILY MAN Brucie holds his great grandson, with son JJ and grandson Jeremy
FAMILY MAN Brucie holds his great grandson, with son JJ and grandson Jeremy
 ??  ?? CHEERS Our Emma with Brucie
CHEERS Our Emma with Brucie

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