TV legend Sir Bruce Forsyth, whose glittering showbiz career spanned 75 years, dies aged 89 surrounded by his wife and kids after telling pals: ‘I’ve been very, very busy being ill’
BRUCE Forsyth has died aged 89.
The legendary TV presenter and ‘King of Strictly Come Dancing’ had been unwell for some time and was admitted to hospital earlier this year with a severe chest infection.
Bruce's family released a statement in which they expressed their gratitude 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 asked for privacy so they would grieve “at this most difficult time.”
The telly legend is survived by his wife Lady Wilnelia Forsyth and six children – daughters Debbie, Julie and Laura, from his first marriage to Penny Calvert; Charlotte and Louisa with his second wife Anthea Redfern, and his son Jonathan with Wilnelia.
He also had nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
A moving statement from Bruce's manager 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!'”
Bruce's Strictly co-host Tess, who started working with Bruce on the BBC dancing show in 2004, was among the first to pay tribute.
She said in a statement: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away.
“From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.”
And 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."
Sir Bruce was born the son of a garage owner in Edmonton, north London in 1928 and first appeared on TV aged 11.
At just 14-years-old he made his debut as The Mighty Atom, which was a solo song and dance act.
Bruce’s big break came in in 1958 aged 30, when he joined ITV’s Night At The Palladium, and hosted a number of family favourite shows such as Play Your Card’s Right, The Price Is Right and You Bet!, and The Generation Game.
During the height of his fame in the 1970s he became renowned for the phrases, "Nice to see you, to see you nice," and "Didn't they do well?"
He holds the Guinness World Record for the longest TV career, after it spanned 75 years from 1939 to 2014.
In 1998, Bruce was given and OBE and then went on to receive a knighthood in 2011.
His death comes after the star's beloved wife Wilnelia revealed her hopes her husband would perform again following his lengthy illness and difficult recovery recently.
Bruce suffered two life-threatening aneurysms just months ago, leaving him bed-bound and forcing him to cancel a string of public appearances.
While recovering from keyhole surgery, he even missed close friend Ronnie Corbett’s funeral earlier this year.
And the much-loved TV presenter's wife, 59, revealed recently that his constant health battle could often leave them “crying”.
Former Miss World Wilnelia was with Bruce for 36 years, and was his biggest support in recent months.
A LIFE ON THE TELLY From Play Your Cards Right to Strictly Come Dancing, a look back at Bruce’s illustrious TV career
Speaking about his health more recently, she told the ‘s YOU magazine: “The operation took his energy because of his age, there’s no question about it. Some days are better than others. On the not-so-good days, he tries to rest.”
She admitted they had to talk about the future.
“He’s the man I fell in love with because his brain is there,” she admitted. “He has a bit of a problem moving, but we still laugh and talk. I pray, I believe. The main thing is that he’s doing well. The pain is more emotional; sometimes we cry, but mostly we laugh.”
Asked if she thought he would perform again, she told the mag: “I hope so,” before adding: “I pray. I believe.”
Wilnelia, who shares son Jonathan, 29, with the star, also gushed about her “very romantic” husband, and revealed they both watched daytime TV together, as Bruce still had a huge love for shows including The Olympics, Question Time and The Apprentice.
Read more on the great Bruce Forsyth
Within minutes of his death his celebrity pals and admirers were taking to Twitter to pay their respects.
Strictly host Zoe Ball sweetly tweeted: "Dear SIr Bruce. Truly natural & magical entertainer, so wonderful with his audiences. in his words You're My Favourite RIP ✨✨✨"
Sue Perkins also gave her condolences and told her followers: “Didn't he do well? RIP Bruce."
Dermot O'Leary tweeted: “So sad to hear about Bruce. One of the Godfathers, quick of wit, fleet of foot..."
Piers Morgan said: "RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth, 89.
"One of Britain's greatest ever entertainers & a lovely man.
"Very sad news."
Rylan Clarke posted: "God bless ya Brucie. RIP a true entertainer x"
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