Sir Bruce Forsyth: TV legend dies aged 89

Media captionHow Brucie entertained us for decades

Sir Bruce Forsyth, the veteran entertainer and presenter of many successful TV shows, has died aged 89. 

The former Strictly Come Dancing host had been unwell for some time and was in hospital earlier this year after a severe chest infection.

His long career in showbusiness began when he was aged just 14.

He became Britain's best-paid TV star, famous for hosting game shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

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He also presented BBC One's Strictly with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014. 

Media captionFormer BBC chairman Lord Grade: Sir Bruce "still had twinkle in eye"

A statement from his manager Ian Wilson said he died "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!'" he added.

Sir Bruce's family thanked "the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness", adding there would be no further comment at the moment.

Image copyrightGETTY IMAGES

Image captionSir Bruce was a household name by the 1960s

Tributes have been paid by his friends and admirers in the showbusiness world. Sir Bruce's Strictly co-host Tess Daly said she was "heartbroken". 

"From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved," she said.

Media captionHow Sir Bruce Forsyth wound up Sir Sean Connery - and other stories

Former Strictly judge Len Goodman also paid tribute, saying: "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." 

Strictly presenter Claudia Winkleman, who replaced Sir Bruce after he left the show, tweeted that he was "the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love....