Bruce Forsyth death: TV legend and Strictly Come Dancing host dies, aged 89

The national treasure died "peacefully at his home" 
Emma Powell19 August 2017
The Weekender

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TV entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth has died, aged 89.

The national treasure, famed for his catchphrase "nice to see you, to see you, nice", passed away "peacefully at his home" after months of ill health.

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

In a statement he 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.

Loving support: Bruce Forsyth and his wife Lady Wilnelia
Kirstin Sinclair/Getty

"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!'"

His family has asked for their privacy to be respected "at this most difficult time".

Bruce Forsyth - in pictures

1/22

Born in 1928, Forsyth kicked off his decade-spanning showbusiness career, aged 14, with an act called, Boy Bruce, the Mighty Atom, at the Theatre Royal in Bilston, with The Great Marzo.

He made his TV debut in 1939 before treading the boards and performing in pantomimes and circuses.

Forsyth – who also served time in the Royal Airforce – went on to get his big break fronting some of Britain’s best-loved TV shows from Sunday Night at the London Palladium, The Generation Game, Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night and The Price’s Right.

He later teamed up with Tess Daly to present BBC ballroom show, Strictly Come Dancing from 2004 to 2014, before handing over the reins to Claudia Winkleman.

Double act: Presenters Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly (Tim Whitby/Getty )
Tim Whitby/Getty

He was honoured with a plethora of awards including a BAFTA Tribute in 2005 before being made a Fellow in 2008. He was later awarded a knighthood for his services to entertainment and charity.

He also broke several records including having the longest TV career and being the oldest person to perform at Glastonbury Festival.

Forysth had been out of the public eye for months after suffering from several bouts of ill health.

TV favourite: Sir Bruce Forsyth on The Generation Game
BBC

He was rushed to St Peter's Hospital in Surrey with a serious chest infection earlier this year, but returned home after five days with his wife Lady Wilnelia.

It came nearly two years after he underwent surgery for two aneurysms, which were discovered when tests were carried out following a fall at his Surrey home.

As a result he was forced to turn down several public appearances including Ronnie Corbett’s funeral and the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special.

He is survived by his wife Wilnelia and his children.

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