Lady Wilnelia Forsyth has rejected Strictly Come Dancing co-star Anton Du Beke’s claim that her late husband would have been ‘furious’ about his final resting place
Following Sir Bruce Forsyth's passing in 2017, a deeply symbolic gesture saw his ashes interred beneath the stage of the London Palladium, where the entertainer had made an indelible mark over his 70 years in showbusiness.
The homage was poignant, yet Strictly's Anton Du Beke expressed dissatisfaction, noting that singer Des O'Connor's ashes are also within the same prestigious venue: "I know that Brucie would have been furious about this because he was never a double act."
In response to Anton's critique, Brucie's widow, Lady Wilnelia Forsyth, shared her dismay with the Daily Mail: "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 commemorative plaque at the theatre affirms: "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 comments, Anton has consistently praised Sir Bruce, having first met when Anton was dazzling as a Strictly professional dancer and Bruce helmed the show as host.
Anton has celebrated Sir Bruce's legacy as a magnificent performer who exuded generosity, kindness, and humour, and cited Brucie tirelessly entertaining into his eighties as an inspiration while he neared his own milestone of 60 years.
However, despite being a self-proclaimed 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, February 16, 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.
Sir Bruce had a long and varied showbiz career (Image: Radio Times, Getty Images)
However, neither Bruce nor Norman were restricted by the picket line, as they were members of the competing Variety Artistes' Federation.
In a largely impromptu 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 went on to become a part of TV history.
Bruce, whose TV career kicked off before World War II, first hosted Sunday Night At The London Palladium in 1958 and performed his one-man show there for the last time in 2015.
