Bruce Forsyth Dead: ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Judges Past And Present Including Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood, Len Goodman And Alesha Dixon Pay Tribute
Brucie hosted the BBC dance show for twelve years, before hanging up his dancing shoes in 2013.
The death of the veteran showbusiness legend - variety hall entertainer turned TV star - was confirmed by his manager on Friday 18 August.
Since the announcement, his former ‘Strictly’ colleagues including current judges Bruno Tonioli, Craig Revel Horwood and former head judge Len Goodman have all paid tribute
Sharing a picture of a red rose, Bruno Tonioli tweeted: “So sad A new star in heaven goodbye dear friend and national treasure #sirbruceforsyth I will forever treasure the fun time we had together.”
He later shared a throwback picture of all four original judges - including Arlene Phillips - with a smiling Bruce, tweeting: “Where it all began thank you #SirBruceForsyth for all the precious moments Legend
Craig Revel Horwood added: “Extremely sad to hear the news of Bruce’s passing. A true legend and national treasure. He will be deeply missed but always remembered.”
Former head judge Len Goodman, who stepped down from his role on the show last year, said: “As long as I can remember there has always been Bruce on our TV. His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me forever. Bruce it was nice to see you to see you nice.”
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(Left-Right) Craig Revel Horwood, Arlene Phillips and Len Goodman
PA Archive/PA Images
Former judge Arlene Phillips said the entertainer was an “indestructible titan, tap dancing his way through life”.
She added: “Working with him on Strictly was personally a joy. His endless teasing of my judging style, particularly with strong sportsmen, was an ongoing joke. His enormous support after I was let go from the Strictly panel meant so much.”
Meanwhile, former judge Alesha Dixon shared a photo of her on stage with the late entertainer on Instagram, who she described as a “true gentleman”.
She wrote: “Deeply saddened today. There are no words that can express how much love & respect I have for Sir Bruce.
“He cared so much, always had my back, was always so kind and was a true gentleman.
“He is a star that will be missed by all that knew him. Rest in peace Bruce, you will always be the King of show business!, Thank you for the laughs, thank you for the good times and thank you for being you.”
Bruce Forsyth on the catwalk at the Fashion For Relief Show, Cannes. Part of the 64th Cannes Film Festival. (credit:PA)
(02 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth goes up to the stage to collect his Special Recognition award at the 2011 National Television Awards. (credit:PA)
(03 of23)
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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)
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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)
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Comedian Bruce Forsyth performing on stage with crutches.Date: 1987 (credit:PA)
(06 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth performs during the World War II 60th Anniversary Service at Horse Guard's Parade Show.Date: 2005 (credit:PA)
(07 of23)
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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)
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Comedian Bruce Forsyth performing on stage.Date: 1984 (credit:PA)
(09 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth and Frank Skinner appearing on the Frank Skinner Show in the London studios. Date: 2002 (credit:PA)
(10 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth in the garden of his Surrey home.Date: 1998 (credit:PA)
(11 of23)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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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)
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Bruce Forsyth, at the piano with Donald Clive, a song-writer, surrounded by show girls.Date: 1950 (credit:PA)
(17 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth rehearsing his new comedy "Birds On The Wing" with June Barry, left, and Julia Lockwood.Date: 1969 (credit:PA)
(18 of23)
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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)
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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)
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Bruce Forsyth leap frogs over Angela Bracewell, as dancers Jennie Walton, Janet Mahoney, Caroline Haigh and Sadie Colcough look on.Date: 1962 (credit:PA)
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Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth during the launch show for Strictly Come Dancing 2011. (credit:PA)
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Sir Bruce Forsyth from Virginia Water is knighted by Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace.Date: 2011 (credit:PA)
(23 of23)
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Bruce Forsyth and his wife Wilnelia at Royal Ascot.Date: 2009