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Octogenarian Brucie reveals his youthful secrets

22/02/2008

Bruce Forsyth has shed light on how he stays young at heart after celebrating his 80th birthday.

The venerable entertainer – whose television career spans half a century – arrived at the Dorchester hotel in London with a beauty queen on either arm.

"These two could keep me young," Forsyth said in reference to Miss England Georgia Horsley and Miss Puerto Rica Jennifer Guevara.

But the TV host, who has presided over Saturday night staples such as The Price is Right, The Generation Game and, most recently, Strictly Come Dancing, said the real secret to his youthful outlook was his wife Wilnelia, who is 32 years younger than him.

"I've got a very, very young wife," Brucie admitted. "We won't talk about the age gap, that will make me feel tired. But she does keep me young. She's the most wonderful lady who has a career of her own. She's been at the forefront of keeping me young.

"I also have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. If that doesn't keep you going, what can?"

Ahead of a star-studded birthday party at the Dorchester later tonight, Forsyth did however admit that retirement has "got to be around the corner".

"It could be next week, next month, next year – who knows? I've always said, if I become past it, if I've gone over the top, I think I'll know. If I don't then I'll rely on my agent, my manager and my wife to tell me it's time to turn in," the veteran TV host said.