Strictly Come Dancing’s Tess Daly leads tributes to Bruce Forsyth as he dies aged 89
Legendary TV star has been honoured by his biggest fans as news of his death comes to light
BRUCE Forsyth's close friend and Strictly Come Dancing co-star Tess Daly has paid an emotional to the iconic star after he died aged 89.
The legendary TV icon was hospitalised earlier this year with a chest infection.
“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!' The family would like to express 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.”
Tess, who started working with Bruce on the BBC dancing show in 2004, paid an emotional tribute to him.
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.”
“He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor but most importantly as a friend and I’m extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the man who defined Saturday Night Entertainment for so many decades.
“He was a gentleman and a true legend. I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie his wife and his beautiful family at this sad time.”
Claudia Winkleman told her followers: “He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love....
“The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We'll miss him so much.”
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.
Sue Perkins also paid her tributes to Bruce, telling 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...”
In a statement, Bruce's family 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 Director General of the BBC Tony Hall also paid tribute to Bruce.
Tony said in a statement: “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.”
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