Sir Bruce Forsyth's widow Wilnelia gives candid dating update eight years on from BBC Strictly star's death

WATCH HERE: A tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth - Strictly Come Dancing 2017

BBC
Olivia Gantzer

By Olivia Gantzer


Published: 27/06/2025

- 11:36

Updated: 27/06/2025

- 13:23

The presenter enjoyed a decades-long career establishing himself as a one of Britain's most beloved stars

Sir Bruce Forsyth's widow has opened up on her dating life eight years on from the death of her iconic entertainer husband.

The Strictly Come Dancing legend died at the age of 89 in 2017 after a battle with pneumonia.


Now, Wilnelia Forsyth, 67, has given an update into her love life hopes, sharing there was currently nobody "special" in her life, but shared her plans for the future.

When quizzed about whether she wants to start dating, she replied: "Yes, well I have friends, and I go out, I have nobody special in my life right now, but you never know."

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Wilnelia

Wilnelia Forsyth has shared her hopes for the future eight years on from Bruce's death

Getty

The former Miss World also reflected on the loss of Sir Forsyth, telling MailOnline: "Life goes on, but I’m surrounded by so much love, and the whole family.

"I'm so lucky to have the most beautiful stepdaughters, and our son, Jonathan, who is my rock."

She continued: "I'm very busy, and I also have an organisation for the Alzheimer’s charity in Puerto Rico, and it’s for the caregivers, so I’m quite busy with that."

August 18 will mark the eighth anniversary of her husband's death, with Wilnelia hoping to mark the day with a charity golf tournament in Wentworth, where she and her late husband resided.

Wilnelia Forsyth

Wilnelia Forsyth has thought about dating again

Getty

Despite eight years passing since Forsyth died, he is still widely talked about and fondly remembered, particularly within the Strictly Come Dancing community.

Star of the long-running BBC favourite Anton Du Beke originally started in the show as a professional dancer before joining the judging panel in 2021.

While he never lifted the coveted Glitterball Trophy himself, the 58-year-old found himself in the series 13 final with newscaster and presenter Katie Derham.

Last year, he reflected on his Strictly career and paid tribute to his "hero" Forsyth.

His fondest moment came in 2008, with the 58-year-old gushing over a special moment with the former host.

Speaking to The Telegraph last year, he continued: "Meeting Sir Bruce. He’s my hero, to be honest with you.

"He was such a brilliant entertainer, and he was everything I wished and wanted him to be.

"They say never meet your heroes, but that has never been further from the truth for me. He was absolutely incredible. Generous, kind, funny, helpful… Just the most incredible man, really."

Bruce ForsythDu Beke's "hero" Bruce Forsyth hosted Strictly from 2004 to 2013PA

He went on: "My [best memory from Strictly] is doing a song-and-dance number with Brucey."

Reminiscing on the 2008 routine, he added: "We did Me and My Shadow years ago on Strictly Come Dancing, and that was the career highlight."

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Wilnelia

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Wilnelia in 2013

Getty

At the moment, the iconic show is already gearing up for its anticipated line-up reveal ahead of its 2025 series.

Some of the rumoured famous faces set to make their dancefloor debuts this year include Mo Farah, Dani Dyer and Stacey Solomon, among many others.