Bruce Forsyth: Wife Wilnelia reveals what happened during Strictly star’s ‘sad’ final days
BRUCE FORSYTH died back in August last year, less than two years after his health took a turn for the worst. And now his wife Wilnelia Forsyth has documented how he spent his final days and hours.
Wilnelia Forsyth talks about plans to celebrate Bruce’s life
Sir Bruce Forsyth’s last few months were a “sad but an amazing time” his wife of more than 30 years Wilnelia Forsyth has admitted.
The Strictly Come Dancing host was 89 when he died after saying goodbye to all his children and spouse at his Surrey mansion.
The 60-year-old former Miss World said it was “emotional” seeing the entertainer lose his mobility after returning home from hospital to die.
The Puerto Rican actress spoke out just hours after his ashes were laid to rest beneath the stage at the London Palladium.
Sir Bruce Forsyth was proud and dignified in so many ways
Sir Bruce’s widow and six children gathered for the moment, which saw a blue plaque placed nearby.
It read: “Sir Bruce Forsyth CBE, 1928-2017. 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,” the Mail on Sunday has revealed.
Speaking to the publication about the last time she spent with her husband, Wilnelia commented: “He was proud and dignified in so many ways. He didn't want to disappoint the children. He was their hero.”
The television regular was first hospitalised in October 2015, when doctors found two aneurysms in his stomach and artery.
After a short stay in hospital, he recovered but was struck down again around Christmas before he was diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia in March last year.
“We were told to prepare ourselves,” she said. “I wasn't there, I couldn't hear anything. I think I was in another world.”
However, after being determined to sleep in his own bed, Sir Bruce survived another five months.
Remembering the time, Wilnelia went on: “We watched so many Fred Astaire movies together and played Cole Porter music. We were able to talk and be happy in a very difficult time.
“In the last two weeks, he dreamt of his mother… His breathing was different but he was able to talk. It was wonderful for him to be able to say goodbye to each one of his children.”
All his daughters from previous marriages - he was married three times in total - moved in with the couple prior to his death.
She added: “We were all together when it happened. I remember it raining and there being a thunderstorm. I tried to be as happy as possible and have a smile even though it was difficult.
Strictly professionals perform at Bruce Forsyth tribute
“I told him I loved him, but I've done that for the last 34 years. Bruce died peacefully on the afternoon of August 18, 2017, surrounded by his children. I was holding his hand. Then a beautiful rainbow appeared which we will never forget.”
Wilnelia said she still talks to him all the time and is yet to decide whether she will remain in the large property they shared.
It comes just days after his “perfect tribute” in relation to the burial of his ashes at the theatre was announced.
“The Palladium had such a special place in Bruce’s heart,” a source told the Daily Star Sunday.
“It was where he started his career and he loved that place. He had such fond memories.”