Bruce Forsyth tributes paid by the world of sport as the legendary entertainer dies aged 89
BRUCE FORSYTH died today aged 89 after a lengthy battle against illness - and it's led to an outpouring of grief and respect from the world of sport.
The legendary TV presenter and ‘King of Strictly Come Dancing’ was admitted to hospital earlier this year with a severe chest infection.
And as news broke that Sir Bruce, who was a big sports fan especially golf, had died, he was fondly remembered on and off the screen.
Star British golfer Justin Rose took to Twitter to say Forsyth was "a true gentleman" while Sir Nick Faldo wrote that he was a "great friend to golfers"
He added that he "sang his own version of Girl from Ipanema at my 87 Open party".
In other sports, Arsenal and England star Theo Walcott said he was "so sad to hear the news" before sending his thoughts to the legend's family and friends.
Former rugby union star Brian Moore repeated Forsyth's well-known phrase "didn't he do well" before adding that the man himself "certainly did".
Former British boxing world champion Frank Bruno described him as a "wonderful man" adding that he was an "old school entertainer".
Most Read In Sport
And current boxer Ohara Davies said that he was "a legend forever".
Former Tottenham Hotspur owner and star of BBC's The Apprentice Lord Alan Sugar described Forsyth as "a friend" and said thast "the whole country will miss him".
Sir Bruce loved the sport of golf, and was a member of his local club at the world famous Wentworth course.
He once had a handicap of eight, but admitted in later life it went up to 14.
Following golf legend Seve Ballesteros' death in 2011, Forsyth gave an emotional interview to the BBC where he described the Spaniard as "gracious and kind and a majestic man".
BBC Director General Tony Hall paid tribute to "one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known."
His statement read: "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. 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."
For all the latest SPORTS news, visit our dedicated topic page