Wilnelia at her island havenin Brucie tribute

SIR Bruce Forsyth’s widow has flown back to her Caribbean home for Christmas – because it is what the TV star would have wanted.

Lady Wilnelia will spend tomorrow with her family at an idyllic beach property in Puerto Rico, the spot where she and Bruce spent many years of “marital bliss” together.

Strictly Come Dancing legend Brucie, 89, died in August after a 34-year marriage to former Miss World Wilnelia.

A close friend said: “Puerto Rico is a place where she has many happy memories. Winnie and Bruce would spend most Christmases there. He absolutely adored the place. It’s what Bruce would have wanted. They had some of their happiest memories there.”

In the weeks after he died, Wilnelia, 60, flew to Puerto Rico to help with the recovery effort after Hurricane Maria wreaked havoc.

Speaking about the fundraising drive, she said: “After I suffered the greatest loss of my life, my beloved husband Bruce, I retreated to Puerto Rico where I was born and where Bruce and I shared such happy times, to grieve and to honour him. I felt it would be very healing to have the support of my family and our many friends on the island.”

Wilnelia, who witnessed the full force of Hurricane Maria, added: “This was the most terrifying experience of my life. If Bruce were still here with me, he would ask his beloved British public to help in any way they can.”

Father-of-six Bruce battled deteriorating health for two years. His family is considering a memorial ceremony in London – and Wilnelia may hold a second tribute in Puerto Rico.

The Sunday People has made a donation to Wilnelia’s appeal. You can donate at justgiving.com/ fundraising/wilneliaforsyth-puerto

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