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Bruce Forsyth death: Emotional tributes pour in as TV star dies aged 89

Emotional tributes have poured in for Bruce Forsyth after the legendary entertainer’s death was announced.

Tony Hall, BBC’s director-general, led tributes saying the 89-year-old was “one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known.”

The national treasure, famed for shows including Strictly Come Dancing and The Generation Game, passed away "peacefully at his home" after months of ill health.

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman described him as “the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people.”

As the news broke on Friday, she added: “all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love…The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We'll miss him so much."

Lord Hall said: “He has delighted millions of people and defined Saturday night television for decades, with shows like the Generation Game and, most recently, Strictly. His warmth and his wit were legendary.

"I've never seen anyone quite like him when it comes to performing in front of a crowd. He had a remarkable chemistry with his audience - that's what made him such an amazing professional and why he was so loved.

"He has been part of all of our lives, and we'll miss him dearly."

Bruce Forsyth: The TV star's family said the 89-year-old died peacefully at home (REUTERS)
Bruce Forsyth: The TV star's family said the 89-year-old died peacefully at home (REUTERS)

His manager Ian Wilson broke the devastating news, telling fans that Forsyth retained a "twinkle in his eye".

In statement, he added: "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.”

Among those to pay tribute to the much-loved presenter was Strictly presenter Tess Daly.

She said: "There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away.

"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."

Forysth’s death came after he had been out of the public eye for months after suffering from several bouts of ill health.