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

A tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth - Strictly Come Dancing 2017: Launch

Pro Dancers pay their respects to a man who defined Strictly by his humour, hard work and professionalism.

Forsyth was born in Victoria Road, Edmonton, Middlesex, London.

His long career in showbusiness began when he was aged just 14, and bacame Britain's best-paid TV star.

He was famous for hosting family game shows like The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

Showbusiness veteran Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89pic.twitter.com/eYGoSo1zaQ

— #JC4PM ���� (@Jezza4_PM) August 18, 2017

A statement from his manager, Ian Wilson, said: "It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, 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!'"

When he was King of the London Palladium. #bruceforsyth pic.twitter.com/WDcr0TCfvT

— BBC Four (@BBCFOUR) August 18, 2017

Sir Bruce's family expressed their thanks to "the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel".

They said there would be no further comment at the moment and asked for their privacy to be respected "at this most difficult time".

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