Sir Bruce Forsyth has died aged 89. The former presenter of the BBC hit program, “Strictly Come Dancing” had been unwell recently and was in hospital following a severe chest infection earlier this year.

Sir Forsyth began his long career in showbusiness when he was aged just 14 and became famous for hosting game shows such as Play Your Cards Right, The Price is Right, and The Generation Game. He was also well-loved for his presentation of BBC One’s Strictly with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014.

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 18 months. With a twinkle in his eye, he responded ‘I’ve been very, very busy… being ill!'”

Sir Bruce’s family have expressed their thanks to “the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness”. They have said that there would be no further comment for the moment and have requested that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.