Sir Bruce Forsyth to be honoured in TV tribute headlined by Dame Shirley Bassey
SIR BRUCE FORSYTH’s glittering career touched nearly every corner of the showbiz world — so it is fitting that a fellow industry legend headlines a celebration of his life.
DAME SHIRLEY BASSEY will be the star of a BBC show dedicated to Brucie.
Dame Shirley, who recorded three James Bond themes, will lead the tributes to the late Strictly Come Dancing host — who died last August — in a programme fronted by his former co-host TESS DALY.
Dame Shirley said: “Sir Bruce Forsyth was a born entertainer — a talented singer, dancer, actor — always putting a smile on people’s faces.
“I’m honoured to be performing one of his favourite songs in his memory.”
The celebration, which will see DAVE ARCH and his Strictly band support a number of surprise acts, is expected to be broadcast as an hour-long show on BBC1 next month.
It is also set to feature appearances from other telly favourites including ANT AND DEC and LEN GOODMAN, who have pre-recorded messages.
Some of the music and dance routines Brucie loved will be performed, as well as various “tributes and fond memories”.
A BBC source said: “Dame Shirley was a dear friend of Sir Bruce and held him very close to her heart.
“It is an honour to have her take to the stage as part of such a special night.”
Sir Bruce is without a doubt Britain’s greatest television presenter and entertainer, and is impossible to replace.
This is going to be an emotional watch.
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BIZARRE TV COLUMN
Ant calls it a Di
EMMERDALE actor ANTHONY QUINLAN and his Strictly dance pro girlfriend Dianne Buswell have split up, blaming the distance between them.
A source close to the pair, who were introduced by mutual pal GEMMA ATKINSON, said: “They were loved up for weeks but things fizzled out once they both went back to work after Christmas. Anthony returned to filming and is based in Manchester while Dianne also has a busy schedule and lives in London.
“They’re still close friends but they struggled to see their relationship working.”
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WHAT? Love Your Garden, ITV, 8pm.
WHY? ALAN TITCHMARSH transforms the overgrown garden of a paediatric nurse who has worked tirelessly for the NHS. Alan creates a peaceful retreat with splashes of colour.
Close crop for bad cop
AS dodgy DCI Roz Huntley in BBC1’s Line Of Duty, THANDIE NEWTON witnessed plenty of violence – but on Tuesday she was in New York to celebrate the 20th anniversary of V-Day, a movement to end violence against women.
The actress, who also plays a brothel madam in Sky drama Westworld, spiced up her trackie top and new cropped hair with some fab fishnets.
Westworld’s costume department may want to check everything’s accounted for.
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SOAPBOX
EMMERDALE’S Ross faces up to what the future looks like after the attack, Gabby has a plan and Laurel has a brainwave when she finds out Maisie is leaving.
In CORONATION STREET Craig is starting to show signs that he might have obsessive compulsive disorder.
Elsewhere, Liz feels stuck in the middle when she is asked by Ali not to tell Michelle that he is around.
Eva also starts to realise she is out of her depth as she attempts to help Billy.
Over on EASTENDERS, the day of Abi’s funeral arrives and the residents of Albert Square prepare to say their goodbyes.
Not very social media
CHANNEL 4 is hoping viewers will really “like” its new show.
The broadcaster is launching what sounds like a Big Brother for millennials, where contestants share a living space but communicate solely via social media.
Participants on the show, which hasn’t been named yet, won’t be allowed to physically meet and must form their opinions of housemates based on how they present themselves online.
The idea is the brainchild of Gogglebox makers Studio Lambert and is in early development after being given the nod by C4.
A source said: “Channel 4 pioneered the ultimate TV social experiment in the UK with Big Brother.
“Now they’re hoping to recreate the magic with a millennial spin on it.
“The show will explore how people paint a picture of themselves online that may not be truthful.”
It is expected that contestants will vote each other out of the competition.
But as they will not be allowed to meet, decisions will be based on posts and photos.
The source added: “Some may be tempted to turn up the charm and filter their looks and personalities in extreme ways to avoid the axe.
“It’ll be fascinating to test how genuine online relationships actually can be.”
Heaven forbid there is a power cut and they have to actually talk to each other.
Biz Bit
CELEBS Go Dating’s JADE JONES, the Team GB taekwondo star, says kinky men ask her to kick them for thrills. She adds sadly: “I think they think it would be cool to be kicked in the head or something. But I want cuddles, not kicks.”