Strictly legend says Bruce Forsyth 'would have been furious' over decision

Daily Mirror

30-06-2025

Strictly Come Dancing legend Bruce Forsyth's ashes were laid to rest beneath the stage of the London Palladium, a decision that would have left him "furious", according to Anton Du Beke
Strictly Come Dancing star Anton Du Beke says Bruce Forsyth"would have been furious" about a decision made after his death. Speaking on the My Time Capsule podcast earlier this year, Anton reminisced about a captivating show he did at the London Palladium – the very site he regards as the "home of Brucie".
Reflecting on the sad passing of his "great hero" Bruce in August 2017 at the age of 89, Anton noted his ashes were interred beneath the stage of the Palladium along with a blue plaque.
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He described exactly where Brucie's final resting place is situated, sharing: "So, if you're looking out into the auditorium from the stage, right directly below there, there's obviously a wall there holding the whole place up. But in that wall, they've buried Brucie's ashes, and there's a plaque underneath, 'Here are the ashes...'".
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Anton went on to talk about how Brucie is now joined nearby by comedy legend Des O'Connor, who he believes held the record for the most performances at the Palladium. He hinted that Julian Clary is aiming for the same accolade, saying: "To the left now of Brucie is the wonderful Des O'Connor, who's done more shows, I think, at the Palladium than anybody else.
"I think Julian Clary is hoping to take that crown soon, but I think Des O'Connor has done more shows at the Palladium than anybody else. Now, I know that Brucie would have been furious about this because Brucie was never a double act. He was always a single act, so I know Brucie would have been furious about this."
When he passed away, his manager Ian Wilson noted he died "peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children".
The entertainment world overflowed with tributes for Brucie after his death, with co-host Tess Daly confessing she was "heartbroken" over the passing of the man who became the UK's top-earning TV star.
The memorial plaque carries an inscription mentioning Sir Bruce first presented Sunday Night At The London Palladium back in 1958 and did his last show in 2015. It reveals his reputation as "without question the UK's greatest entertainer".
The plaque also states: "He rests in peace within the sound of music, laughter and dancing... exactly where he would want to be."
Sir Bruce stepped back from presenting Strictly in 2014, after a decade which included his tenure from the very first episode of the show in 2004, known for hosting hit programmes such as Play Your Cards Right and The Price Is Right.
Brucie, who handed over the Strictly reins to Claudia Winkleman, said at the time: "After 10 wonderful years and 11 series, I believe it is now the right time to step down from the rigours of presenting the Strictly live shows."