Comedian and author David Walliams has praised the “magnificent” tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth during the Strictly Come Dancing launch show on Saturday night.
The BBC took a moment out of the glittering affair to broadcast a heartwarming video of celebrity comments dedicated to the show’s late former host, who died last month at the age of 89.
It was followed by a stunning ballroom dance by the show’s team of professional performers to Frank Sinatra’s Fly Me To The Moon.
A man who defined #Strictly by his humour, hard work and professionalism. Keep dancing, Brucie 💔 pic.twitter.com/9E8O0QlPXn
— BBC Strictly✨ (@bbcstrictly) September 9, 2017
It culminated with a neon outline of Sir Bruce holding his famous dance pose, which brought the studio audience to their feet and presenter Tess Daly to tears.
Among the swathes of viewers to thank the broadcaster for the emotional piece, Walliams tweeted: “Magnificent tribute to the worshipped and adored #SirBruceForsyth on #Strictly @bbcstrictly @BBCOne.”
Magnificent tribute to the worshipped and adored #SirBruceForsyth on #Strictly @bbcstrictly @BBCOne
— David Walliams (@davidwalliams) September 9, 2017
Comedian Jason Byrne also took to social media, posting: “Amazing tribute to Bruce Forsyth @bbcstrictly I’ve watched him forever, he taught me everything I know n I never even met him #Strictly.”
Amazing tribute to Bruce Forsyth @bbcstrictly I've watched him forever, he taught me everything I know n I never even met him #Strictly pic.twitter.com/zDQhDi26Ci
— jason byrne (@thejasonbyrne) September 9, 2017
Emmerdale star Vicki Michelle added: “Amazing tribute to #Brucie #Strictly @bbcstrictly #emotional.”
Amazing tribute to #Brucie #Strictly @bbcstrictly #emotional https://t.co/jYb9PeU8QK
— Vicki Michelle (@vickimichelle) September 9, 2017
TV’s Greg Scott suggested that Strictly rename the Glitterball trophy, posting: “I do hope that from now on, as they similarly did with Mr Whiteley on Countdown, they’ll be competing for The Bruce Forsyth Trophy #Strictly.”
I do hope that from now on, as they similarly did with Mr Whiteley on Countdown, they'll be competing for The Bruce Forsyth Trophy #Strictly
— Greg Scott (@GregScottTV) September 9, 2017
In a very concise post, actor and comedian Matt Berry simply wrote: “Strictly Brucie, Brucie”.
Strictly Brucie, Brucie pic.twitter.com/gGEEvylTbg
— Matt Berry (@porksmith) September 9, 2017
Among the programme’s emotional viewers at home, Dawn-Tracy commented: “What a beautiful tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth. I’m in tears watching the dancers and @TessDaly do him proud, he’ll never be forgotten.”
What a beautiful tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth 💖 I'm in tears watching the dancers and @TessDaly do him proud, he'll never be forgotten 😭 💖
— Dawn-Tracy (@APageOfLove) September 9, 2017
Simon Cartwright added: “Dear Brucie, you were an amazing man with an abundance of talent. You will never be bettered or forgotten. RIP.”
Dear Brucie, you were an amazing man with an abundance of talent. You will never be bettered or forgotten. RIP
— Simon Cartwright (@Impression321) September 9, 2017
Beautiful tribute – Not a dry eye in any house or dance floor..
— YSL (@ysl807) September 9, 2017
gorgeous tribute, well done team #strictly xxx
— Jenny Bishop (@MissBishops) September 9, 2017
Beautifully done. Thank you.
— Sarah Tyler (@Sarah_racewear) September 9, 2017
Sir Bruce hosted the much-loved TV dance contest alongside Daly for a decade following its first ever launch show in 2004.