Sir Bruce Forsyth to be honoured with BBC-backed public memorial at Westminster Abbey

Sir Bruce Forsyth’s family are said to be planning a public memorial service for the beloved TV star following his sad death on Friday 18 August.

The BBC will back an extravagant ceremony at Westminster Abbey for the star, similar to the service held in June for Bruce’s friend Ronnie Corbett, it has been reported.

Speaking to The Sun, a source explained: “Bruce’s family are very much coming to terms with their loss, which is utterly devastating.

“It is too early to say for sure what will happen next. But the idea of the great and the good celebrating their friend’s life alongside the ordinary fans who watched him for years is very much liked.

“Further conversations about it will be had in the coming weeks, when the family are ready. The decision, either way, will be theirs to make.”

Sir Bruce was aged 89 when he passed away, with his wife Wilnelia and his six children at his bedside.

The star had not been seen in public since he hosted Strictly Come Dancing’s Children In Need Special in 2015, with it being reported that he became so frail in recent months that he was unable to walk unaided.

Sources close to the star have since said that Bruce became housebound as he did not want to be seen by his fans until he regained strength.

An insider shared: “Bruce was the eternal showman. The world knew him as the host of Strictly Come Dancing, bursting with energy, laughter and charm — always bouncing around the studio.

“That was what he wanted. He didn’t want anyone to see him looking frail and old — even at 89. It would have crushed him to have been seen in a wheelchair.

“In the months before he died his walking was slow, painful, and limited, and he could have spent a lot more time outside if he had agreed to use one.

“But what he wanted was just the opposite, and he refused it. For the same reason, while at times he could have walked outside aided, he didn’t want to.

“Like the consummate professional he was, he never wanted to let the mask slip and now he would want his millions of fans to remember the good times.”

Sir Bruce’s glittering career spanned seven decades and a statement released by his family on Friday said that he died after contracting bronchial pneumonia.

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