Following the passing of Sir Bruce Forsyth in 2017, his ashes were poignantly placed beneath the stage of the London Palladium—a venue synonymous with his remarkable seven-decade career in entertainment. This tribute was embraced by his family as a fitting resting place that reflected the legacy of one of Britain’s most beloved entertainers.
However, the decision has not been universally accepted. Anton Du Beke, Sir Bruce’s former Strictly Come Dancing co-star and current judge, expressed his disapproval. Noting that the ashes of singer Des O’Connor also rest there, Anton commented, “I know that Brucie would have been furious about this because he was never a double act.”
These remarks deeply saddened Wilnelia Forsyth, Sir Bruce’s widow, who publicly responded to Anton’s critique. Speaking to the Daily Mail, she said, “It’s a place that we thought would be appropriate. The whole family agreed it was the best place for him to be—and we still feel that way.”
A memorial plaque at the theatre bears testament to Sir Bruce’s enduring legacy: “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.”
Despite his critical stance on the ashes’ resting place, Anton has spoken warmly about Sir Bruce’s extraordinary talent, generosity, and wit. He admired the late entertainer’s vigor well into his eighties—qualities that inspired Anton as he approached his own 60th birthday.
Interestingly, Anton’s claim that Bruce Forsyth was never part of a double act is historically inaccurate. In 1961, Bruce shared the London Palladium stage with fellow variety legend Norman Wisdom. Together, they carried an entire episode of ITV’s Sunday Night at the London Palladium amidst a strike by the actors’ union.
Due to the industrial action on February 16, many performers could not appear, but Bruce and Norman, members of the rival Variety Artistes' Federation, were not bound by the picket line. Their spontaneous performance—including singing, dancing, and a now-famous sketch about wallpapering mishaps—has become an iconic moment in television history.
Bruce Forsyth’s relationship with the London Palladium spanned decades—from hosting the variety show starting in 1958 to performing there as late as 2015—cementing his place as a legendary figure in British entertainment. Despite recent disagreements, his impact remains firmly rooted within those hallowed walls.