Strictly stars will put on a ‘heartfelt’ show in tribute to Sir Bruce

STRICTLY COME Dancing bosses have confirmed the show will pay tribute to former host Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Executive producer Louise Rainbow said the Strictly pros would put on “a heartfelt performance” as part of the launch show’s celebration of the late star.

Sir Bruce, who died at the age of 89 on Friday, was at the helm of the BBC dance contest alongside Tess Daly for 10 years, from its launch in 2004 until 2014.

In a statement posted on Twitter, Rainbow said: “The thoughts of everyone here are still very much with Sir Bruce’s family.

“Of course, we will be paying tribute to Sir Bruce at our launch show and this will include a heartfelt performance from our

Strictly professional dancers. “We all want to celebrate him

and all that he loved about the show. Sir Bruce was, and will always be, a huge part of Strictly Come Dancing.”

Her comments come after the full line-up of celebrity contestants for this year’s season was officially revealed, with singer Alexandra Burke, Paralympic champion Jonnie Peacock, former ballerina Debbie McGee, actress Chizzy Akudolu and presenter Charlotte Hawkins joining the show.

After the death of Sir Bruce his family have said their hearts are “truly broken” as they thanked fans for their messages following the entertainer’s death.

The veteran star’s wife Wilnelia and children sent a message to The One Show, which paid tribute to Sir Bruce with a special episode on Monday night.

The message was read out by presenter Matt Baker.

He said the family wanted to thank “the many, many people who have sent messages of condolence”.

Their message said: “Our hearts are truly broken and the tributes paid to him in the last few days have helped us tremendously through this very difficult time.

“It’s been humbling and comforting to us to realise just how much Bruce was loved and how many lives he touched.”

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly has thanked Sir Bruce for a decade of happy memories working together in a heartfelt social media tribute.

She shared a backstage selfie of the pair together two years ago as they filmed a Strictly special for

Children In Need and told how she never stopped “pinching herself ” after landing the job to host the show by his side.

Frontman for the popular BBC show since its launch, he pulled out due to illness three years ago and was replaced by Claudia Winkleman.

Daly described him as a mentor, a friend, a gentleman and a true legend.