Sir Bruce Forsyth: Family's hearts are 'truly broken' after entertainer's death aged 89

Sir Bruce Forsyth's family said their hearts are "truly broken" following the legendary entertainer's death as they thanked fans for their messages of support.

The 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" after the star died at the age of 89.

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."

Scores of celebrities have paid tribute to the star, whose career lasted more than seven decades and saw him work on programmes such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and more recently Strictly Come Dancing.

Sir Elton John has said it was an "honour" to work with the entertainer, paying tribute to him as "brilliant comedian, television host and lovely man".

He wrote on Twitter: "So sad to hear about the death of the legendary Bruce Forsyth.

"It was such an honour to work with him. My condolences to his family. #RIP"

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, 77, credited him with "changing his life" and recalled his first meeting with Sir Bruce as he spoke of their friendship.

He told BBC Breakfast: "He was always Mr Forsyth to me because he did help change my life. He was unique - he could play the piano with Nat King Cole, he could dance with Sammy Davis Jr, he could take over Have I Got News For You, and most importantly he could annoy Sean Connery on the golf course, which always tickled me."

Sir Bruce's family announced his death on Friday in a statement saying the TV veteran had "passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children".

In the statement, his manager Ian Wilson continued: "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."