Sir Bruce Forsyth dies aged 89

Veteran entertainer and legendary TV presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth has died at the age of 89.

The former Strictly host was hospitalised in March and spent five nights in intensive care at St Peter's Hospital in Surrey after developing a severe chest infection, according to reports.

In a statement earlier today, 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 eighteen months.

"With a twinkle in his eye, he responded "I've been very, very busy ... being ill!" Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.

The statement continued: "The family would like to express 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.

"There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce's family is respected at this most difficult time."

Sir Bruce's former Strictly co-host Tess Daly led the celebrity tributes to the man she described as her 'mentor, friend and a true legend'.

In a heartfelt message on Twitter, Tess wrote: ''There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away.

''From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing. I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.''