LAST NIGHT BBC paid tribute to Bruce Forsyth for his 75 years of service to the industry.

When BBC One took a chance on a brand new ballroom dancing format in 2004, there was no way of telling how the Saturday night audience might respond.

So it helped that [Strictly] was fronted by a genuine legend of stage and screen.Sir Bruce Forsyth was the perfect host for strictly, bringing a unique warmth and an air of genuine expertise all in the one package.

And paired with co-host Tess Daly, Strictly had created a brand new double act that the nation took to its heart.

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Tess shared her own message about the star on Twitter.

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 and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.

He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor but most importantly as a friend and I’m extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the man who defined Saturday Night Entertainment for so many decades.

He was a gentleman and a true legend. I will miss him deeply. My heart goes out to Winnie his wife and his beautiful family at this sad time.

Strictly judge Bruno Tonioli put it simply, posting a picture of ‘where it all began’.

Arlene Philips described Bruce as an ‘indestructible titan tap-dancing his way through life’.

Dancer Karen Clifton will always remember him as her ‘favourite’.

Brendan Cole has a heavy heart on the passing of a ‘great man and friend’.

All of the professional dancers and judges from Strictly Come Dancing were equally as devastated by the loss of Forsyth. Contestants, including Nicky Byrne were also saddened to hear the news.

Strictly winner Aliona Kavanagh also paid tribute to his support – one BBC described as ready to shoot down ‘waspish comments’ from judges with a witty quip. Any celebrities left deflated by criticism heart ‘those immortal words’: “You’re my favourite.”

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His work from when he was both young and old won’t be forgotten.

Even the usually cynical Scottish comedian Limmy commented on what a lovely man Forsyth was.

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Gary Lineker used his famous line “Didn’t he do well?”

Few Brits were not affected by his career – Geordie Shore’s Charlotte Crosby also remembered the ‘legend of TV’.

BBC ended their heartfelt tribute to the star just how he would have liked.

“Bye, Brucie. You’re our favourite.”

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