The Generation Game’s Rosemarie Ford pays tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth saying ‘his talent was limitless’
THE Generation Game presenter Rosemarie Ford has paid tribute to the late Sir Bruce Forsyth saying his "talent was limitless".
The iconic star passed away at the age on 89 on Friday, leading to tributes from colleagues and fans around the world.
Speaking exclusively to The Sun Online, Rosemarie said: “I am devastated at today’s sad news. I was incredibly lucky to work closely with Bruce on the Generation Game for 5 years - this was truly an honour.
"He became a friend and a mentor. I never tired of watching and learning from the great man.
"We had such fun working on the five series we did, performing everything from Fred and Ginger routines, to ballroom and tap dances, we dressed up as Emus with Rod Hull, sang with Cleo Lane and of course had such fun in the countless plays.
"Every moment with him was a joy and a master class.
"He loved his industry and of course knew it inside out. He was the ultimate professional and always gave 100% everyday and everyone respected him.
"His talent was limitless and he was the perfect partner for me to dance and sing with. He has such style and class.
"My heart goes out to Winnie and his beautiful family; Debbie, Julie, Laura, Charlotte, Louisa and JJ.”
DIDN'T HE DO WELL Sir Bruce Forsyth was the undisputed king of British TV – here are five classic performances that show why
Rosemarie's kind words comes after Bruce's Strictly Come Dancing co-host Tess Daly released an emotional statement.
The pair hosted the BBC reality show together from 2004 until 2014, when he quit to spend more time with his family.
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.”
Last time I saw my great pal
COMEDIAN Jimmy Tarbuck told yesterday of his last meeting with his great friend Sir Bruce.
He said: “Two or three months back, I went to the house and Wilnelia, who was the love of his life, said, ‘I’ve made some sandwiches, boys, and a large pot of tea. Go and reminisce’. And for an hour and a bit we talked and laughed about things that had happened.”
Jimmy, 77, met Sir Bruce on October 27, 1963 when he appeared on Sunday Night At The Palladium as a guest.
He said: “He was always Mr Forsyth to me because he helped change my life.
“He was unique — he could play the piano with Nat King Cole, he could dance with Sammy Davis Jr, and most importantly he could annoy Sean Connery on the golf course, which always tickled me.”
Claudia Winkleman, who now hosts Strictly with Tess, 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.”
Esther Rantzen said: “Decade after decade he remained at the top of the tree. He outdid all the other performers at their own game.”
Former Strictly judge Len Goodman said: “As long as I can remember there has always been Bruce on our TV.”
And Strictly dancer Brendan Cole said: “What a man, what a showman, what a gentleman!”
Ant and Dec tweeted: “A genuine showbiz legend. There will never be another like him. Goodnight Brucie. RIP.”
Sir Elton John tweeted: “So sad to hear about the death of the legendary Bruce Forsyth. It was such an honour to work with him. My condolences to his family.”
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.
They asked for privacy so they would grieve “at this most difficult time.”
Got a story? email [email protected] or call us direct on 02077824220.
We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.
