Bruce Forsyth To Be Honoured At NTAs 2018 With Award Named After Him In Tribute

The legendary entertainer passed away in August at the age of 89.

Sir Bruce Forsyth is set to be honoured at next year’s National Television Awards, with a major prize handed out in his memory. 

Ceremony bosses have announced they are renaming the award for the Best Entertainment Show as The Bruce Forsyth Entertainment Award in recognition of his unique 75-year career. 

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Bruce Forsyth with his Special Recognition Award in 2011
Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment

Sir Bruce, who died in August at the age of 89, had a close history with the NTAs, having been bestowed the illustrious Special Recognition Award in 2011. 

The following year, Bruce created another classic TV moment when he opened the NTAs performing ‘Let There Be Love’ with Ant and Dec.

Now the Geordie duo’s ‘Saturday Night Takeaway’ will compete with the nation’s favourite entertainment shows for the newly named award, after the longlist of nominees was announced.

They will face competition from the likes of ‘The Graham Norton Show’, ‘All Round To Mrs Browns’ and ‘Tonight At The London Palladium’.

Bruce’s widow Wilnelia said Bruce would have been “both humbled and delighted” to have the award named in his honour.

“Entertainment was his life,” she said. “The National Television Awards always had a special place in his heart because they’re the people’s awards, voted by viewers.

“The children and I are thrilled his flame will still burn brightly with this new award celebrating the stars of today and tomorrow.”

Other changes to the annual ceremony include a new Crime Drama category, which recognises a big year for the genre, with nominees including ‘Broadchurch’, ‘Strike’ and ‘Line Of Duty’. 

The 2018 NTAs take place on 23 January, and as ever, will be hosted by Dermot O’Leary. 

Check out the full longlist and cast your vote at nationaltvawards.com  

The shortlist will be announced in January, ahead of the ceremony. 

RIP Bruce Forsyth: Life In Pictures
(01 of23)
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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)
(16 of23)
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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)
(21 of23)
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Tess Daly and Bruce Forsyth during the launch show for Strictly Come Dancing 2011. (credit:PA)
(22 of23)
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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