Legendary TV entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth has died, aged 89
The iconic British personality Sir Bruce Forsyth has died.
The BBC confirmed his death this afternoon (18 August).
Bruce’s extraordinary career began when he was just 14, way back in the early 1940s, where he developed a taste for show business.
Famously, Sir Bruce hosted shows such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right, and The Price is Right, before a recent and lengthy stint as one of the hosts of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.
In fact, he presented Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly for an impressive 10 years, from 2004 until 2014.
His agent, Ian Wilson, released the following statement confirming the star’s passing:
“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!'”
Claudia Winkleman, the host who replaced Bruce on Strictly the other year, tweeted her condolences.
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
Fellow BBC presenters, friends, and TV colleagues have also paid their tribute to the man who graced our screens for decades.
Saddened to hear that Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away. One of television's great entertainers. Didn't he do well. #RIPBrucie
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) August 18, 2017
Tony Hall's statement on the death of Sir Bruce Forsyth: pic.twitter.com/V2J175pBHX
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) August 18, 2017
Goodbye Sir Bruce. A showbusiness legend. Just as charming in person as he was entertaining huge crowds. Loved by everyone. We'll miss you.
— Susanna Reid (@susannareid100) August 18, 2017
RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth, it's a sad day to lose a legend in which I grew up watching as a child #bruceforsyth pic.twitter.com/xosPWmiGc0
— Neil Jones (@Mr_NJones) August 18, 2017
Entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth has died.
The former Generation Game and Strictly Come Dancing host was 89.
Latest: https://t.co/UQMSd5TKbb pic.twitter.com/PxTCNFrmdT
— BBC Radio 5 live (@bbc5live) August 18, 2017
So sad to hear that TV legend and national treasure Sir Bruce Forsyth has died, aged 89. RIP Brucey. pic.twitter.com/YopSCZ51Fv
— Tony Shepherd (@tonysheps) August 18, 2017
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted his sadness at the news.
Sad to hear of Sir Bruce Forsyth's death. A tireless charity campaigner, Sir Bruce was Mr Saturday Night and it was always nice to see him.
— Jeremy Corbyn (@jeremycorbyn) August 18, 2017
The star was forced to undergo keyhole surgery in 2015 after two aneurysms were found when he suffered a fall at his home. Since then, he’d been suffering from mobility issues but, according to his wife, was still in “incredible shape mentally”.
Brucie’s warm personality, catch phrases, and general demeanour made his one of the nation’s favourite faces for years. He captured the hearts of millions over a lengthy span across various shows and will go down as one of the all time greats.
A true television legend, having graced our screens for over half a century, Bruce Forsyth’s legacy will live on and will be remembered for generations to come.
Good game, Sir Bruce, good game.
RIP.