Sir Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89

Sarah

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http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-40978576

Sir Bruce Forsyth, the veteran entertainer and presenter of many successful TV shows, has died aged 89.

The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter had been unwell for some time and was in hospital earlier this year after a severe chest infection.

His long career in showbusiness began when he was aged just 14.

He became Britain's best-paid TV star, famous for hosting game shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

He also presented BBC One's Strictly with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014.

'Great, great loss'

A statement from his manager, Ian Wilson, 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.

"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!'"

Sir Bruce's family expressed their thanks to "the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel".

They said there would be no further comment at the moment and asked for their privacy to be respected "at this most difficult time".

'Warmth and wit'
BBC director general Sir Tony Hall described Sir Bruce as "one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known".

"He has delighted millions of people and defined Saturday night television for decades, with shows like the Generation Game and, most recently, Strictly," he said.

"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."

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Ome

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Even though I knew he was poorly, it's still quite shocking to read this. He was a great TV personality and it's sad to think another piece of the UKTV viewing history has gone.
 

Barbara Fan

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RIP Brucie

For me it was the generation game and play your cards right that i remember him from

A big part of my growing up in the 70s and 80s and so many catch phrases -give us a twirl, lets have a look at the old scoreboard, what do points make - prizes et al

my condolences to his family and friends

 

Englishboy

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I will remember him on the Generation game in the 1970s, as the genial emcee on Play Your Cards Right in the 1980s and as the host of Strictly Come Dancing in the noughties.

RIP
 

Swami

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It is unlikely that there will ever be such a versatile performer in television ever again, he had such a broad range of talents.

Sir Bruce truly was a one-off.

Swami
 

Angela Channing

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I'm sorry he has died but I was never a fan. I remember when I was young child hearing him tell racist jokes on TV and I never warmed to him ever since. But I can appreciate his talent and why so many people loved his work. My condolences to his family.
 

James from London

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Aww, I've always had a soft spot for Brucie. He was Mr Saturday Night. But yes, certainly a man of his time.

My condolences to his family.

Which includes his daughter Julie and her husband Dominic Grant (how do I even remember that name??) who, along with Dollar, compromised two-thirds of Guys 'n Dolls who, like an even less hip version of the New Seekers, once had a hit based on a digestive biscuit commercial.


In the interests of full discloure, I once saw them live, supporting Freddie Starr.
 

bmasters9

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He was on Bruce Forsyth's Hot Streak on ABC when I was 5, although it was much later when I saw it from YouTube that I discovered what it was all about.

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Swami

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Bruce Forsyth died with family at his side, says widow

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Image copyright Reuters
Image caption Sir Bruce was married to Lady Wilnelia for 34 years
Sir Bruce Forsyth died "quietly and in peace" with his family at his side, his widow has said.

Speaking publicly for the first time since his death, Lady Wilnelia - who was married to him for 34 years - said she nursed him for the final two weeks of his life.

The veteran entertainer died aged 89 just over a week ago after a long-term illness.

Lady Wilnelia said his passing had left a "very big hole" in her life.

She told the Sunday Mirror: "His daughters, our son JJ and my mother Delia - who also stood by my side supporting me - were all by his side.


"He left quietly and in peace. Like everything he did, his departure was as organised and structured as his life."

She added: "His departure has left a very big hole in my life and nobody will remember him more than I.

"We have our house full of flowers, the television has not stopped dedicating special programmes and calls of solidarity have not stopped."

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Image copyright Reuters
Image caption Sir Bruce and Lady Wilnelia pictured at Royal Ascot in 2011
Amid the tributes to the entertainer, some fans have called for a statue of the entertainer to be erected outside a BBC building.

Sir Bruce stepped down from Strictly Come Dancing in 2014.

In 2015 he had keyhole surgery after suffering two aneurysms. His health had deteriorated recently after he contracted bronchial pneumonia.

Swami
 

Luke_Krebbs_Ewing

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He was a terrific entertainer & a gentleman to boot.

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He could turn his hand to anything. I think I'll remember him best for The Generation Game and Play Your Cards Right as well as Strictly Come Dancing of course.

A consummate professional, he will be much missed.

Didn't he do well. :sad:
 
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