Bruce Forsyth Dead: BBC Pays Tribute To ‘One Of The Greatest Entertainers Our Country Has Known’ | HuffPost

'He has been part of all of our lives, and we’ll miss him dearly.'

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BBC Director-General Tony Hall has paid tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth, following the sad news of his death at the age of 89.

Bruce died on Friday (18 August), his manager confirmed, and many famous faces and fans rushed to pay tribute, while the ‘Strictly’ website also featured a special message from their time.

Bruce Forsyth in 2015

Mike Marsland via Getty Images

In a statement issued to HuffPost UK, Tony Hall said: “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.”

Bruce with his former 'Strictly' co-host, Tess Daly

Karwai Tang via Getty Images

The lengthy post on the ‘Strictly’ site shared their “devastation” at the news.

It read: “Sir Bruce Forsyth was the perfect host for Strictly, bringing a unique warmth and an air of genuine expertise all in the one package. And paired with co-host Tess Daly, ‘Strictly’ had created a brand new double act that the nation took to its heart.

“Brucie’s quick wit came in useful when it came to the Judges. More often than not, some of their more waspish comments would be shot down by a quip from Bruce, while any Celebrities or Professionals left deflated by a critique were sometimes given what would eventually become an established badge of honour – those immortal words “You’re my favourite” from Bruce would send them up the stairs to Tess with broad smiles on their faces.”

“All the team at ‘Strictly’ send our condolences to his family and friends,” they wrote, before asking for fans to share tributes and ending with: “Bye, Brucie. You’re our favourite.”

Tony Blackburn, Joan Collins and as host of ’Strictly’ stars past and present were among those who sent messages of condolence in the hours following the sad announcement.

Bruce’s family have shared thanks for “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”.

RIP Bruce Forsyth: Life In Pictures

(01 of23)

Bruce Forsyth on the catwalk at the Fashion For Relief Show, Cannes. Part of the 64th Cannes Film Festival. (credit:PA)

(02 of23)

Bruce Forsyth goes up to the stage to collect his Special Recognition award at the 2011 National Television Awards. (credit:PA)

(03 of23)

Bruce Forsyth is joined by Miss Puerto Rico (left) and Miss England to celebrate his 80th birthday at the Dorchester Hotel in central London. (credit:PA)

(04 of23)

Entertainer Bruce Forsyth with the bust of himself. The bust has been created by Forsyth's son-in-law Dominic Grant and will take pride of place inside the Cinderella bar, marking the association between the TV star and the 95-year-old venue.Date: 2005 (credit:PA)

(05 of23)

Comedian Bruce Forsyth performing on stage with crutches.Date: 1987 (credit:PA)

(06 of23)

Bruce Forsyth performs during the World War II 60th Anniversary Service at Horse Guard's Parade Show.Date: 2005 (credit:PA)

(07 of23)

Entertainer Bruce Forsyth OBE receives the Eric Morecambe Award from actor Sir John Mills CBE during a reception for the Heritage Foundation Awards.Date: 2002 (credit:PA)

(08 of23)

Comedian Bruce Forsyth performing on stage.Date: 1984 (credit:PA)

(09 of23)

Bruce Forsyth and Frank Skinner appearing on the Frank Skinner Show in the London studios. Date: 2002 (credit:PA)

(10 of23)

Bruce Forsyth in the garden of his Surrey home.Date: 1998 (credit:PA)

(11 of23)

The Duchess of Kent received the keys for a mini-bus from television personality Bruce Forsyth. The Duchess, Patron of the charity Age Concern, was given the mini-bus after it was donated in a special stars episode of LWT show 'Play Your Cards Right' recorded for Christmas.Date: 1985 (credit:PA)

(12 of23)

Entertainer Bruce Forsyth, left, at Madame Tussaud's to see his new wax figure, made by sculptor Jean Fraser.Date: 1978 (credit:PA)

(13 of23)

Bruce Forsyth getting ready at Her Majesty's Theatre, for his West End appearance as a musical star. With him are Katie Budd, left, and Valerie Walsh, in the cast of Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley's The Travelling Music Show.Date: 1978 (credit:PA)

(14 of23)

Not even the Queen Mother could find out who shot JR when Mr Nasty (Larry Hagman) was introduced to her backstage after the Royal Variety Performmance at the London Palladium. With Larry Hagman stands his mother Mary Martin and in the background, entertainer Bruce Forsyth.Date: 1980 (credit:PA)

(15 of23)

Entertainer Bruce Forsyth dances for joy in a West End street where he announced he is to star in a new musical, The Bricusse and Newley Travelling Music Show.Date: 1977 (credit:PA)

(16 of23)

Bruce Forsyth, at the piano with Donald Clive, a song-writer, surrounded by show girls.Date: 1950 (credit:PA)

(17 of23)

Bruce Forsyth rehearsing his new comedy "Birds On The Wing" with June Barry, left, and Julia Lockwood.Date: 1969 (credit:PA)

(18 of23)

Actor Bruce Forsyth demonstrates his conjuring skill for Bunnie Girl turned actress Connie Kreski, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA., on a Maltese beach during the filming of 'Can Heironymus Merkin Ever Forget Mercy Humppe and Find True Happiness?,' written and directed by British actor Anthony Newley. Bruce plays Unclew Limelight, an old vaudevillian and Connie plays Mercy Humppe. Date: 1969 (credit:PA)

(19 of23)

Julie Andrews, Bruce Forsyth and Beryl Reid (right), three British stars, sing 'Piccadilly,' a music hall ditty on stage at the old Brixton Music Hall.Date: 1967 (credit:PA)

(20 of23)

Bruce Forsyth leap frogs over Angela Bracewell, as dancers Jennie Walton, Janet Mahoney, Caroline Haigh and Sadie Colcough look on.Date: 1962 (credit:PA)

(21 of23)

Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth during the launch show for Strictly Come Dancing 2011. (credit:PA)

(22 of23)

Sir Bruce Forsyth from Virginia Water is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.Date: 2011 (credit:PA)

(23 of23)

Bruce Forsyth and his wife Wilnelia at Royal Ascot.Date: 2009

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