Sir Bruce Forsyth had planned to mark his career in showbiz with a celebration at the London Palladium when he turned 100.
The legendary showman sadly passed away in August last year at the age of 89, and his life and achievements will be honoured with a special tribute event at the iconic venue where Bruce began his career – on ‘Sunday Night at the London Palladium’ in 1958 – on February 21, a day before he would have had his 90th birthday.
Speaking on ‘This Morning’ on Monday (29.01.18), the former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ co-host’s wife, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, said: "It’s been unbelievable [the response] for his memorial celebration, Bruce he wanted to celebrate his life, 50,000 people applied for it, very overwhelming. He always said if he got to 100 he wanted to celebrate his birth at London Palladium. It’s very importation to have the celebration there, it will be on February 21, and people will be able to watch it on TV.
"Bruce was always so conscious, so we took 500 of the first selected to come."
The former Miss World says she and Bruce’s six children – daughters Debbie, Julie and Laura from his first marriage with Penny Calvert, Charlotte and Louisa with his second spouse Anthea Redfern and a son with Wilnelia – were "lucky" to be able to say goodbye properly to Bruce, who passed away surrounded by his family after he contracted bronchial pneumonia.
Wilnelia said: "He was able to be there the last week, all the girls came to the house and it was a very special time.
"I know how lucky we were to be able to say a goodbye."
The Palladium show will feature dance, music and comedy and will see Strictly’s Dave Arch and his band perform.
Charlotte Moore, BBC Director, Content said previously: "I couldn’t think of a more fitting tribute to our dear friend Bruce than this celebration at the Palladium – a theatre he so loved.
"Bruce was such a favourite with the BBC One audience who I know will savour this hour of entertainment, music and commemoration of a true showbiz legend."
Bruce Forsyth planned to celebrate career if he lived to 100
