'Now Simon can make even more money' Bruce Forsyth defends his BGT comments about kids
SIR Bruce Forsyth has defended his comments about children taking part in Britain's Got Talent by saying that he is trying to make Simon Cowell more money.
The 85-year-old star has caused somewhat of a debate after he claimed that appearing on such a popular TV show could be 'disastrous' for young children.
Speaking to Sky News this morning, Bruce responded to claims that he began working in the entertainment industry at the age of 14 himself.
"No, I went into the business when I was 14 years of age and learnt the business, but I didn't become a star till i was 30, so it took me 16 years for things to happen," he explained.
"The comments came when I was promoting my tour and what I couldn't get out of my mind was that poor little girl last year. She was emotionally drained, it was upsetting to watch that girl go through that ordeal.
"I'm trying to make Simon more money....If he had two shows," he added. "They do clash a bit as the older performers are given a bit of a backseat. They should have 2 separate shows and Simon would make even more money."
Simon responded to Bruce's original comments on Monday night's live show when he called the Strictly Come Dancing star 'Mr Grumpy.'
Following a performance by dance troupe Youth Creation, Cowell said: “Someone, Mr Grumpy, said we shouldn’t have children your age on the show.”
And he also made a dig after 11-year-old singer Arisxandra Libantino sang a Whitney Houston classic, saying: “I’d like to dedicate this one to Bruce.”
However, today Bruce was keen to defend his showbusiness career and was desperate to not appear pessimitic about youngsters choosing to become performers.
"It's in my blood," he said. "It gets in your blood, especially if you've been a variety performer. I've had a very lucky career, as I have a family audience. I love the business."