Sir Bruce Forsyth’s family planning BBC-backed public memorial at Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to the TV legend

CLOSE friends and family of Sir Bruce Forsyth are drawing up plans to honour the TV legend with a public memorial service at Westminster Abbey.

It would be similar to that held in June for Brucie’s pal Ronnie Corbett, who died last year.

BBC insiders confirmed they would support a similar service.

A source told The Sun on Sunday: “Bruce’s family are very much coming to terms with their loss, which is utterly devastating.

“It is too early to say for sure what will happen next. But the idea of the great and the good celebrating their friend’s life alongside the ordinary fans who watched him for years is very much liked.

“Further conversations about it will be had in the coming weeks, when the family are ready. The decision, either way, will be theirs to make.”

Sir Bruce, who posed proudly for a family portrait two years ago, died on Friday aged 89 with wife Wilnelia and his six children at his bedside.

The much-loved all-round entertainer, whose career spanned seven decades, had not been seen in public since hosting Strictly’s Children in Need Special in 2015.

We can reveal that in his final months he became so frail that he was unable to walk unaided and struggled to climb stairs — yet repeatedly refused to use a wheelchair.

Sources close to the family said he instead became almost completely housebound, declaring that he did not wish to be seen until he had recovered from his weakened state.

One source explained: “Bruce was the eternal showman. The world knew him as the host of Strictly Come Dancing, bursting with energy, laughter and charm — always bouncing around the studio.

“That was what he wanted. He didn’t want anyone to see him looking frail and old — even at 89.

“And it would have crushed him to have been seen in a wheelchair.

“In the months before he died his walking was slow, painful, and limited, and he could have spent a lot more time outside if he had agreed to use one.

“But what he wanted was just the opposite, and he refused it. For the same reason, while at times he could have walked outside aided, he didn’t want to.

“Like the consummate professional he was, he never wanted to let the mask slip.

“And now he would want his millions of fans to remember the good times.”

In 2015 Sir Bruce underwent successful keyhole surgery for two aneurysms, discovered by checks after he suffered a fall.

Despite keeping his trademark humour, his battle with poor health led to speculation that he would soon be forced to retire from public life altogether.

But his health went on to improve, and in February he was well enough to consider future projects.

He also entered into negotiations about an interview revealing how he had bounced back.

But the discussions were derailed when he spent five days in hospital with a severe chest infection.

He fought back yet again but the various projects he had been considering were quietly placed on hold.

The source went on: “Each time you suffer something like that, you recover less fully. Bruce was 89, and his body couldn’t heal as well as it used to.

“It was a difficult thing for his friends and family to see. He did battle hard after each setback, and he remained his normal, lively self.

“But there was an acknowledgement after he was rushed to hospital this year that perhaps some of the things he wanted to do were just not possible.

“He had worked for so long that it was second nature for him to think about what he could be doing, but it was clear he had to put his health first.

“So those discussions fell by the wayside, and he concentrated on getting well and being with family.

“Painful as moving was, he was still able to potter about until a few weeks ago when he became completely immobile for the sake of his palliative care.

“He spent his last days in his bedroom, which is where he passed away, surrounded by his family.

“He will be very sadly missed by them and all who knew him.”

Three-times wed Sir Bruce had six children and was pictured with them at his home in Wentworth, Surrey, in 2015.

He joked his family tree was “rather tangled” but credited Wilnelia, 59, for keeping all the branches together.

At the top of the shot Sir Bruce’s only son, 29-year-old Jonathan Joseph, known as JJ. He stands next to his mother Wilnelia, and his half-sister Charlotte, 40.

Daughters Laura, 54, Julie, 59, Louisa, 39, and Debbie, 61, lean in as Sir Bruce holds beloved Yorkshire terrier Lulu.

Debbie, Julia and Laura are the entertainer’s daughters with his first wife Penny Calvert, while Charlotte and Louisa’s mother is Sir Bruce’s second wife Anthea Redfern, a former hostess on the Generation Game.

A statement released by the family on Friday said he deteriorated after contracted bronchial pneumonia.