Veteran entertainer Sir Bruce Forsyth has died at the age of 89.

He was a presenter of many successful TV shows for decades after his career in showbusiness started when he was 14.

The former Strictly Come Dancing presenter had been unwell for some time and was in hospital earlier this year after a severe chest infection, the BBC reports.

He became Britain's best-paid TV star and hosted classic shows including the The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

He presented BBC One's Strictly with Tess Daly from 2004 to 2014.

He was too frail to attend the funerals of close friends Ronnie Corbett and Sir Terry Wogan last year.

A statement from his manager said: "It is with great sadness that the Forsyth family announce that Sir Bruce passed away this afternoon, peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife Wilnelia and all his children.

"A couple of weeks ago, a friend visited him and asked him what he had been doing these last eighteen months.

"With a twinkle in his eye, he responded 'I've been very, very busy... being ill!' Unfortunately, not long after this, his health deteriorated and he contracted bronchial pneumonia.

"The family would like to express their thanks to the many people who have sent cards and letters to Bruce wishing him well over his long illness and know that they will share in part, the great, great loss they feel.

"There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be much appreciated if the privacy of Sir Bruce's family is respected at this most difficult time."