TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth dies, aged 89: Sue Perkins and Stephen Fry lead tributes
Sir Bruce Forsyth has died at the age of 89.
The TV legend and all-round-entertainer was perhaps best known for hosting a number of hit TV gameshows.
As well as being the original host of Strictly Come Dancing, Sir Bruce also fronted shows like The Generation Game, The Price is Right and Play Your Cards Right.
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!”
BBC Director-General Tony Hall said: “Sir Bruce was 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. His warmth and his wit were legendary.”
He added: “I’ve never seen anyone quite like him when it comes to performing in front of a crowd.
“He had 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.”
Tributes have flooded in from the world of entertainment since the news of his passing was confirmed.
Didn’t he do well.
RIP Sir Bruce.xx
— Sue Perkins (@sueperkins) August 18, 2017
There was only one #Brucie – it was more than to nice to see you, to see you more than nice https://t.co/MltU51LCfY
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 18, 2017
R.I.P Bruce Forsyth. A true British legend. What a life!
— Boy George (@BoyGeorge) August 18, 2017
Terribly sad news this afternoon. TV legend and national treasure Sir Bruce Forsyth has died aged 89. RIP Brucey pic.twitter.com/prcKcFCeFV
— Dan Wootton (@danwootton) August 18, 2017
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
Very sad to hear the news of Sir Bruce Forsyth passing away. A great entertainer and a true legend. Rest in peace ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ryGzhyrbaO
— Matt Pagan (@MattCollabro) August 18, 2017
RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth. A warm and witty man loved by generations.
— Julian Clary (@JulianClary) August 18, 2017
Very sad to hear of Sir Bruce Forsyth’s death. It is a huge loss to the world he was one-of-a-kind
— Joan Collins (@Joancollinsdbe) August 18, 2017
