'HE WAS JUST WONDERFUL'
Lionel Blair pays tribute to ‘Mr Magic’ Bruce Forsyth and reveals they were once kicked out of Ann Summers for LAUGHING too hard
LIONEL Blair has paid tribute to his friend of over sixty years Bruce Forsyth – describing him as Mr Magic.
The entertainer appeared on This Morning today following the news of Bruce’s death on Friday and recalled a series of amusing stories about their friendship – including the time they were kicked out of a sex shop.
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The 89-year-old TV legend died on Friday with his wife Wilnelia and his six children by his side.
Speaking to Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes, Lionel said: “We said we had to buy naughty presents for certain friends. We went to underwear shop Ann Summers.
“But we laughed so much we got thrown out!”
Lionel and Bruce danced together in their youth and were so close that Bruce even ended up on Lionel’s honeymoon.
Lamenting his death, he said: “I can honestly say he was the king of gameshows. If you wanted to put a new show on, you knew you would have a success with Bruce.”
He continued: “He was just wonderful, he was a wonderful performer in everything he did. He was a perfectionist too.”
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Lionel went to recall how good he was with an audience, not just when the camera was rolling but during the warm up – describing him as “Mr Magic”.
“His warm ups were as good as the show,” he said.
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Following Lionel’s emotional appearance, former Strictly professionals Ola and James Jordan appeared on the show to pay tribute.
Praising the TV icon, Ola said: “He knew how hard everyone worked on the show. He was a really nice man.
“I always felt like I was his favourite. Only because he made everyone feel like that. He always made the dances feel warm and special.”
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She added: “Even if something went wrong he would get the atmosphere going. He was special. He didn’t wear an ear piece.”
While her husband James said: “His humour, he would sing, he would dance, he was a true entertainer.
“I think the reason the professional dancers like him because he knew what they were going through.”
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