Bruce Forsyth 1928 - 2017

Very sad news today has come through that a legend of British television has passed away peacefully at home this afternoon aged 89. Bruce Forsyth's career spanned 7 decades on UK television

Tributes have been pouring in from showbiz pals, including Director General of the BBC, Tony Hall, who said the following:

"Today we’ve lost one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known. Bruce was a friend to many of our teams. He’s been part of our lives for years – and we’ll miss him dearly. He invented, and then re-invented, Saturday night entertainment across the decades with shows from The Generation Game to Strictly. And, of course, his catchphrases were part of the national conversation. saw him perform and marvelled at the chemistry between him and his audience right from the moment he took to the stage – and, by the way, that was always well before any cameras were rolling. Bruce was such a special part of the BBC. There’ll be time to celebrate his amazing contribution later, but for now I just wanted to mark his extraordinary life."

Bruce's Strictly Co-host Tess Daly has paid tribute to Sir Bruce: "There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news, that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away. 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. He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor, but most importantly as a friend, and I'm extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the man who defined Saturday night entertainment for so many decades. He was a gentleman and a true legend and I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie, his wife, and his beautiful family at this sad time."

Claudia Winkleman, who worked with Bruce on Strictly, said the following "He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love.... The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We'll miss him so much."

Piers Morgan said the following: "RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth, 89. One of Britain's greatest ever entertainers & a lovely man. Very sad news."

Martine McCutcheon tweeted: "We've lost one of the absolute greats in entertainment.... RIP Bruce Forsyth. Sending your family love and light. Xxxx"

Les Dennis has tweeted: "I thought Brucie would go on forever. A star,an icon, a lovely man. Thoughts with his family. RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth"

Gaby Logan said: "Very sad to hear the news about Sir Bruce Forsyth. Grew up watching and loving him. Privileged to have seen him work up close on Strictly"

Lord Sugar tweeted: "Sad news about Sir Bruce Forsyth what legend of entertainment. He was a friend. The whole country will miss him RIP"

Sir Bruce will be most remembered as the presenter of Strictly from the very beginning in 2004 until he left the show in 2013, Play Your Cards Right from 1980 - 2002, The Generation Game from 1971 - 1977 & again from 1990 - 1994, and The Price is Right from 1995 - 2001.

Rest in peace, Sir Bruce, and thanks for entertaining us. You will be greatly missed, but never forgotten.