Great Lives

Sir Bruce Forsyth


Listen Later

The political writer and broadcaster Steve Richards remembers the 1970s as a “dark decade.” But one shining light for the teenage Steve was Saturday evening telly, especially the Generation Game on BBC One. He was captivated by the performance of the show’s host, Bruce Forsyth. Brucie was in his pomp, with the programme getting audiences of up to 19 million. Steve thought his performances were comedic genius, especially his interaction with contestants. And he came to appreciate Sir Bruce’s other talents too, like his singing and dancing abilities.

As well as the Generation Game, his seven-decade career took in Sunday Night at The London Palladium, one-man stage shows, Play Your Cards Right and Strictly Come Dancing. Indeed, it has been said that the story of Sir Bruce Forsyth is the story of modern entertainment television in Britain.
That’s why Steve has nominated Sir Bruce as a Great Life. And joining him and host Matthew Parris to discuss Brucie’s life and career are his widow Lady Forsyth and his long-time manager Ian Wilson.
Producer: Paul Martin for BBC Studios Audio

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

Great LivesBy BBC Radio 4

  • 4.2
  • 4.2
  • 4.2
  • 4.2
  • 4.2

4.2

465 ratings


More shows like Great Lives

View all
Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

Global News Podcast

7,870 Listeners

From Our Own Correspondent by BBC Radio 4

From Our Own Correspondent

376 Listeners

Newshour by BBC World Service

Newshour

1,073 Listeners

In Our Time by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time

5,562 Listeners

The Documentary Podcast by BBC World Service

The Documentary Podcast

1,805 Listeners

Witness History by BBC World Service

Witness History

980 Listeners

In Our Time: Culture by BBC Radio 4

In Our Time: Culture

615 Listeners

Arts & Ideas by BBC Radio 4

Arts & Ideas

299 Listeners

6 Minute English by BBC Radio

6 Minute English

1,761 Listeners

Learning English Conversations by BBC Radio

Learning English Conversations

1,056 Listeners

Desert Island Discs by BBC Radio 4

Desert Island Discs

2,002 Listeners

Profile by BBC Radio 4

Profile

109 Listeners

Last Word by BBC Radio 4

Last Word

46 Listeners

Thinking Allowed by BBC Radio 4

Thinking Allowed

307 Listeners

Front Row by BBC Radio 4

Front Row

131 Listeners

Start the Week by BBC Radio 4

Start the Week

160 Listeners

Bookclub by BBC Radio 4

Bookclub

243 Listeners

Private Passions by BBC Radio 3

Private Passions

52 Listeners

You're Dead to Me by BBC Radio 4

You're Dead to Me

3,217 Listeners

Americast by BBC News

Americast

778 Listeners

The Bomb by BBC World Service

The Bomb

1,019 Listeners

This Cultural Life by BBC Radio 4

This Cultural Life

108 Listeners

A Good Read by BBC Radio 4

A Good Read

41 Listeners