Tess Daly has dubbed the late Sir Bruce Forsyth as "a gentleman and a true legend".
The television icon – who had been unwell for some time and was hospitalised earlier this year with a severe chest infection – sadly passed away on Friday (18.08.17) at the age of 89.
His ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ co-host Tess Daly – who presented the BBC Latin and ballroom dance competition alongside Bruce from 2004 until his departure from the show in 2014 – led tributes to the late star, as she said she was "heartbroken" by the news.
In a statement posted to Twitter, Tess wrote: "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. I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie his wife and his beautiful family at this sad time."
Meanwhile, last year’s ‘Strictly…’ winner Ore Oduba posted a picture of Bruce on Instagram, and named him as his "hero".
He wrote: "My hero, Sir Bruce Forsyth. Nobody did it better. RIP Brucie."
And boxer Frank Bruno – who once appeared on 90s show ‘You Bet!’, which was hosted by Bruce – called the late legend a "wonderful man".
He posted on Twitter: "Bruce Forsyth RIP wonderful man part of my growing up on TV’s Generation Game met him a few times a real professional old school entertainer (sic)"
Legendary DJ Tony Blackburn also paid tribute to the "great entertainer".
He tweeted: "RIP Sir Bruce Forsyth a lovely man and a great entertainer who we will all miss.thanks for years of great entertainment. (sic)"
Bruce is survived by his wife Lady Wilnelia Forsyth and his 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 – as well as nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Tess Daly leads Sir Bruce Forsyth tributes
