TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89
Iconic TV personality Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away at the age of 89.
In a statement released earlier today, his manager Ian Wilson said: “It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children.
“A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last 18 months. With a twinkle in his eye, he responded: “I’ve been very, very busy…being ill!”. Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.
“The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel. There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce’s family is respected at this most difficult time.”
Sir Bruce was a legendary entertainer whose career spanned over 75 years. He was best known for being the face of Saturday night television and hosting gameshows such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price Is Right.
Most recently, he co-presented Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2013. Over the years, he became synonymous with a number of iconic catchphrases such as “Nice to see, to see you … nice” and “Keeeeeeep dancing!” During his career, he received numerous honours including being made a Knight Bachelor in the 2011 Birthday Honours for his services to entertainment and charity. He was also awarded a Guinness World Record in 2012 for having the longest television career for a male entertainer.
Since the news of his passing broke online, social media has been awash with tributes from fans, friends and fellow celebrities, with many deeming him a British legend and national treasure.
Tess Daly, his Strictly co-host, led the tributes by saying: “From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.
“He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor, but most importantly as a friend, and I’m extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the man who defined Saturday night entertainment for so many decades.
“He was a gentleman and a true legend and I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie, his wife, and his beautiful family at this sad time.”
Claudia Winkleman, who replaced Sir Bruce as the co-host of Strictly Come Dancing, and a whole host of famous faces took to Twitter to share their sadness and pay tribute to the star.
He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people… all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love….
— Claudia Winkleman (@ClaudiaWinkle) August 18, 2017
The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We'll miss him so much.
— Claudia Winkleman (@ClaudiaWinkle) August 18, 2017
I thought Brucie would go on forever. A star,an icon, a lovely man. Thoughts with his family. RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth.
— Les Dennis (@LesDennis) August 18, 2017
The world has lost a legend RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth. My life has been blessed knowing the man. Learnt so much watching him in action!
— Aled Jones (@realaled) August 18, 2017
R.I.P Bruce Forsyth. A true British legend. What a life!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) August 18, 2017
Sad news about Sir Bruce Forsyth what legend of entertainment. He was a friend. The whole country will miss him RIP
— Lord Sugar (@Lord_Sugar) August 18, 2017
So sad A new??in heaven goodbye dear friend and national treasure #sirbruceforsyth I will forever treasure the fun time we had together ?? pic.twitter.com/IujjPxzTGH
— Bruno Tonioli (@BrunoTonioli) August 18, 2017
The whole Strictly team is devastated to hear of the passing of Sir Bruce Forsyth. Bye Brucie you're our favourite ? https://t.co/TJS4egUgKu pic.twitter.com/vpwtP4zBFS
— BBC Strictly ? (@bbcstrictly) August 18, 2017
Thank you Sir Bruce for providing us with countless great moments over the years. You’ve been a household name through our childhood and beyond, and your legacy will live on forever. Didn’t he do well? Brucey, you certainly did.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Sir Bruce’s family and friends.
Share your favourite memories of Sir Bruce Forsyth with us on Twitter @CelebMix
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