Bruce Forsyth Dead: Former 'Strictly Come Dancing' Stars Lead Tributes | HuffPost

'RIP Sir Bruce, a true national treasure.'

By

Entertainment Editor

The showbiz world is mourning the loss of Sir Bruce Forsyth, who has died at the age of 89.

On Friday afternoon (18 August), the legendary entertainer’s family announced that he had died, following a long period of ill health.

Sir Bruce Forsyth

Mike Marsland via Getty Images

In the wake of the news, devastated celebrities quickly began paying tribute to the long-serving star of stage and screen, led by those who worked with him during his 10-year stint as co-presenter of ‘Strictly Come Dancing’.

Other big names from the world of entertainment have also been paying their respects, including veteran broadcaster Tony Blackburn, daytime presenter Phillip Schofield and comedians Miranda Hart and Sue Perkins.

Breaking the news of Sir Bruce’s death, his manager Ian Wilson, said: “It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children.

“A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last 18 months.

“With a twinkle in his eye, he responded ‘I’ve been very, very busy... being ill!’”

His family have also shared their gratitude 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”.

Although many millions of young fans will have known him as the host of BBC’s ‘Strictly’ where he looked after contestants, argued with judges and occasionally tripped the light fantastic - this hit show was but the swansong of an extraordinary career that lasted nearly eight decades.

Bruce Forsyth’s time at the top of British entertainment was, quite literally, record-breaking - with the Guinness World Records listing him as having the longest TV career for any male entertainer.

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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