A TOUCHING tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth, one of Britain’s best-loved entertainers, was paid by his close friend BBC golf commentator Peter Alliss, this week.

The former ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ host, who died aged 89 last Friday, was the star turn at St Edmund’s School, Hindhead, in October 2014, when he paid a special visit to open a new classroom block, joined by Mr Alliss, his wife Jackie, chairman of governors, and their son Simon, an ex-pupil and Brucie’s godson.

“It is very sad, but he did have a long and wonderful life,” Mr Alliss, who lives in Hindhead, told The Herald.

“I have known Bruce for more than 50 years. He used to come and take part in many of the pro-celebrity golf events at Gleneagles.

“He also came down to Old Thorns quite a lot to play in our charity golf events.

“He did not like to lose and was very competitive on the golf course, when he played with Sean Connery, Jimmy Tarbuck and others.

“He got cross with himself, if he did not win or do well. Bruce was godfather to my son Simon and a real family friend for many years.

“He used to come and visit us and take part in the children’s birthday parties, when he played the piano and did a sing song. He was part of the family.

“He was a big show business person and a dear friend, a really lovely person.

“It is quite difficult to be as famous as he was – he was instantly and unmistakably recognisable.

“His walk alone gave him away. He will be sadly missed by all of us.

“His widow Wilnelia may possibly go back to Puerto Rico, where she has been a much bigger star than Bruce.

“They used to spend three to four months out there every year, and she was the one everyone wanted to see. He was far less well-known.”