Sir Bruce Forsyth was a beloved national treasure in Britain, known for his catchphrases and TV career that spanned over 75 years. His catchphrases, such as “Nice to see you, to see you…nice”, “You’re my favourite”, and “Keep Dancin'”, became iconic and part of everyday life. He gained fame through his roles on popular TV shows such as The Generation Game, The Price is Right, and Strictly Come Dancing. Despite his long and successful career, Bruce struggled to keep up with his most bizarre co-stars ever, The Muppets, during a special TV routine.
One of Bruce’s most memorable and hilarious moments on TV was when he performed a ludicrous routine with a ballerina on The Generation Game in 1990. Clad in shockingly tight dancer’s tights, Bruce left the audience in stitches as he and the ballerina passed a balloon between them and she went between his legs, patting her bottom on the way up. In 2011, Bruce received the Special Recognition award at the National Television Awards, where his Strictly Come Dancing co-star Tess Daly led tears and applause for him. Despite teasing retirement, Bruce declared he wasn’t going anywhere, much to the delight of the audience.
Bruce’s illustrious career in television is unmatched, but when he shared the stage with Geordie duo Ant & Dec at the NTAs, the three icons performed a memorable rendition of Nat King Cole’s Let There Be Love. Although no one could compare to Brucie, the presence of the three TV legends together made for an iconic moment on television. In 2013, Bruce announced his retirement from hosting Strictly Come Dancing after eleven series. He made appearances on the show’s Children In Need and Christmas specials in subsequent years, but his declining health eventually led to his official retirement in 2016 after 77 years in show business.
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s legacy lives on through his decades-long career in television and entertainment. His catchphrases and memorable moments on screen have endeared him to audiences across Britain and beyond. From hosting game shows like The Generation Game and The Price is Right to becoming a beloved presenter on Strictly Come Dancing, Bruce’s versatility and charm captivated generations of viewers. Despite health struggles in his later years, Bruce remained a stalwart presence in the entertainment industry until his retirement, leaving an indelible mark as a true national treasure. His impact on British television and the hearts of those who watched him cannot be understated.
