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NEVER FORGOTTEN

Calls for Sir Bruce Forsyth ‘to get statue outside of Broadcasting House’ as BBC consider enduring tribute to legendary entertainer

Iconic star died on Friday aged 89 and now the Beeb are working out what will be the most fitting tribute

BBC bosses are considering erecting a statue of Sir Bruce Forsyth outside of Broadcasting House in London after fans called for it following the entertainer's death aged 89.

Bruce was surrounded by his family when he passed away on Friday afternoon.

BBC bosses are considering erecting a statue in Sir Bruce Forsyth's memory
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BBC bosses are considering erecting a statue in Sir Bruce Forsyth's memoryCredit: Splash News
The legendary entertainer, here with his wife Wilnelia Merced, died on Friday aged 89
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The legendary entertainer, here with his wife Wilnelia Merced, died on Friday aged 89Credit: Rex Features

The Mirror reported how the Beeb were considering the idea and told them: “We are more than happy to look at what would be the most fitting tribute to a BBC showbiz legend.”

A bust of Bruce already sits inside the foyer of the London Palladium where he became a household name.

Yesterday, The Sun On Sunday revealed how Bruce’s family were planning a BBC-backed public memorial at Westminster Abbey to pay tribute to the iconic entertainer.

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

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.

The Sun On Sunday confirmed Bruce's family were supporting the idea of a BBC backed memorial service, just like the one his good pal Ronnie Corbett had
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The Sun On Sunday confirmed Bruce's family were supporting the idea of a BBC backed memorial service, just like the one his good pal Ronnie Corbett hadCredit: Rex Features
Bruce, pictured here being knighted by the Queen in 2011, had a career which spanned 75 years
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Bruce, pictured here being knighted by the Queen in 2011, had a career which spanned 75 yearsCredit: PA:Press Association
He was one of the UK's best loved entertainers
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He was one of the UK's best loved entertainersCredit: PA:Press Association
And hosted a huge number of TV shows, including Play Your Cards Right and The Generation Game
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And hosted a huge number of TV shows, including Play Your Cards Right and The Generation GameCredit: Rex Features

“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.”

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.

DIDN'T HE DO WELL Here are five classic performances that show why Sir Bruce Forsyth was the undisputed king of British TV

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.

He was loved by fans of Strictly Come Dancing
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He was loved by fans of Strictly Come DancingCredit: PA
Bruce became incredibly frail towards the end of his life
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Bruce became incredibly frail towards the end of his lifeCredit: TVTIMES/SCOPEFEATURES.COM
The proud host was surrounded by those he loved most when he passed away
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The proud host was surrounded by those he loved most when he passed awayCredit: Rex Features
And he will be remembered fondly by all who knew, and watched, him
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And he will be remembered fondly by all who knew, and watched, himCredit: UK Gold

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.”


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