Sir Bruce Forsyth was a national treasure who had a glittering showbiz career that spanned more than 70 years.
The Veteran entertainer, who hosted Strictly Come Dancing alongside Tess Daly for nine years, left the world devastated when he passed away aged 89 in 2017.
The Middlesex-born star embarked on three marriages in his life, the first being with wife of two decades Penny Calvert whom he married in 1953 and shares three daughters.
READ MORE: Bruce Forsyth’s will explained as ‘his six kids missed out on £11.7million fortune’
After finalising his divorce with Penny in 1973, he married his The Generation Game assistant Anthea Redfern the same year and remained with her for six years.
(Image: Getty Images)
Bruce tied the knot with his third and final wife, then 26-year-old Wilnelia Merced in 1983 and the pair welcomed their son, Jonathan Joseph “JJ” in 1987.
The TV legend, who was 30 years Wilnelia’s senior, remained with the Puerto Rican-born beauty for 34 years up until his death.
Bruce spoke candidly about his long-lasting marriage to former Miss World Wilnelia, but also revealed how they would spice up their sex life.
(Image: REUTERS)
The Price is Right presenter confessed that while on holiday together, they would be in a supermarket when Bruce would pick up his wife and pretend not to know who she is.
During a magazine interview, the showbiz legend revealed: “If we’re in a supermarket on holiday, we’ll go into different aisles and I’ll pretend to pick her up.
He said: “The other night I took her out to dinner and the first thing I said was, ‘Does your husband know where you are?’ It’s very easy being romantic with someone like her.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Bruce credited his wife for turning his life around and recalled: It’s been 32 years now,” before adding: “And they said it would never last.”
Early on in his marriage, Bruce received a book from Wilnelia’s mother which contained exercise rituals that helped reverse the effects of ageing.
Speaking about the book, which was based on Tibetan monks, Bruce said: “I lie in bed and start the stretches and lifts, then get up and do shoulder exercises. I swear by it. It keeps me fit, along with the golf.
(Image: PA)
“I barely drink. I never overeat. I’ll have three to four small meals a day. I’m very healthy.”
During an interview in 2010, Wilnelia praised Bruce for how romantic he was, explaining: “He is very thoughtful. If I’ve been away, there are always flowers when I return.
“He also sends me letters and leaves little notes. He always remembers birthdays and anniversaries.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
