Fans to give Brucie an Abbey send-off
Memorial service for legend
SIR Bruce Forsyth’s life will be celebrated in a huge memorial service rivalling send-offs at Westminster Abbey for fellow legends Terry Wogan and Ronnie Corbett.
The biggest names of stage and screen will recall the entertainer’s best stories and gags from a career spanning seven decades.
Following on from a private funeral for family and very close friends, the event will allow hundreds of showbiz pals and countless fans to pay tribute to the former Strictly Come Dancing host, who died last week aged 89.
A source close to his family told the Mirror: “The family are still coming to terms with Sir Bruce’s death but plans are now well under way and are expected to be finalised this weekend.
“The funeral itself will be quite a private service for family and very close friends.
SCALE
“But the idea is there will then be a memorial service which will allow everyone he knew and the public to celebrate his extraordinary life and career. The exact details of both services are likely to be confirmed next week.”
The memorial is expected to be similar in scale to those at Westminster Abbey recently for Brucie’s pals Sir Terry Wogan and Ronnie Corbett, both of which he was too ill to attend. Sir Bruce’s ex-Strictly co-host Tess Daly could be among those to pay tribute, along with veteran entertainer Jimmy Tarbuck.
Widow Lady Wilnelia is thought to have a prominent role in organising the service and music.
The BBC said any plans they had would be announced at the “appropriate time”. Sir Bruce’s manager Ian Wilson declined to comment.
It will allow the public & everyone he knew to celebrate his life & career SOURCE CLOSE TO FAMILY ON MEMORIAL