The late Sir Bruce Forsyth, a true legend of British light entertainment with an impressive career that spanned over 70 years, made his most significant breakthrough as the host of ITV‘s Sunday Night at the London Palladium back in 1958. After his death in 2017, it was a touching tribute to have his ashes interred beneath the stage of the iconic theatre.
A plaque honouring him at the theatre states: “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”.
However there’s since been a change that might not sit well with the beloved entertainer, according to his former Strictly Come Dancing co-star Anton du Beke.
Anton, who partnered with celebrities like Ann Widdecombe, Esther Rantzen, and Kate Garraway before taking a spot on Strictly’s judging panel in 2021, says Sir Bruce wouldn’t be happy at having to share the honour with another star.
He shared with the Daily Mail his thoughts on the placement of another television legend’s ashes, Des O’Connor, next to Sir Bruce’s under the Palladium stage in 2020, saying: “I know that Brucie would have been furious about this because he was never a double act.”
However, Anton’s statement isn’t entirely accurate. In reality, Bruce once shared the Palladium stage with another variety legend, Norman Wisdom, in 1961.
Norman and Brucie formed a short-lived but beloved double act, saving an entire show from cancellation due to industrial action, reports the Express.
On Sunday, February 16, the live broadcast from the Palladium was devoid of any members from the actors’ union, effectively excluding nearly all scheduled performers.
However, Bruce and Norman were not restricted by the picket line as they were part of the competing Variety Artistes’ Federation.
The duo delivered a largely unscripted performance, singing, dancing, and clowning around for an enraptured audience throughout the entire hour-long live TV broadcast.
One memorable segment featured a chaotic sketch about decorators struggling to hang wallpaper, which has since become a classic piece of television history.
Bruce, whose television career commenced before the outbreak of World War II, first took on hosting duties for Sunday Night At The London Palladium in 1958 and gave his final one-man show there in 2015.