30-06-2025
Bruce Forsyth's widow 'saddened' by BBC Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke's comments
Sir Bruce Forsyth's wife, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, has hit back at comments made by his former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Anton Du Beke.
Sir Bruce died back in 2017, with his ashes being interred beneath the stage of London Palladium, a site chosen by his family due to the theatre being where the star made his breahthrough on the stage.
Singer Des O'Connor's ashes are also housed at the iconic venue, leading Anton to say: "I know that Brucie would have been furious about this because he was never a double act."
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Lady Forsyth has hit back, saying she was "shocked and saddened" by Anton's words.
In an interview with the Daily Mail, she said: "It's a place that we thought would be appropriate. The whole family thought that it would be the best place for him to be - and we still feel that way."
A plaque on the theatre's wall reads: "Without question the UK's greatest entertainer, he rests in peace within the sound of music, laughter and dancing... exactly where he would want to be".
Despite his recent faux pas, Anton has not shied away from praising Sir Bruce.
He has lauded the late dancer as an exceptional performer who embodied generosity, kindness, and a fantastic sense of humour.
However, despite his self-proclaimed status as a Brucie super fan, Anton was mistaken about one detail.
Contrary to his assertion that Bruce never formed part of a double act, the renowned entertainer once graced the Palladium stage alongside another variety legend, Norman Wisdom, in 1961.
Bruce and Norman single-handedly filled an entire episode of ITV's Sunday Night at the London Palladium after it faced potential cancellation due to industrial action.
On Sunday, 16th February, no members of the actors' union were allowed to participate in the live broadcast from the Palladium – effectively ruling out nearly every performer scheduled to appear.
Neither Bruce nor Norman was restricted by the picket line, as they were members of the competing Variety Artistes' Federation.
In a largely spontaneous performance, the duo sang, danced, and joked their way through the entire show – which included a chaotic sketch about decorators attempting to hang wallpaper that subsequently became a part of TV history.
