It’s the end of a showbusiness era.

Sir Bruce Forsyth, an almost constant figure on our TV screens for almost 50 years, died yesterday at the age of 89 – leaving the stage clear for an outpouring of tributes from countless celebrities across the industry.

His manager Ian Wilson said he died peacefully at home yesterday, surrounded by his third wife Winnie and his six children.

Dame Barbara Windsor summed up the Strictly Come Dancing, The Generation Game and Sunday Night at the London Palladium star’s outstanding contribution to British entertainment.

She said: “This is the end of a show business era and the last of the truly all- round great entertainers that this country has ever produced.”

Dame Barbara said of the star whose career began as a 14-year-old with his own stage show: “I am so sad as I was a massive fan and was in awe of his professionalism.

“He will be so sadly missed by all in show business and his millions of fans.”

Fellow entertainer Des O’Connor said the “nation will be heartbroken”, adding: “Bruce was so very special, he had such warmth and humour and he was such a superb talent.

“He will be irreplaceable in people’s hearts.”

O’Connor said of their early days touring together: “He was brilliant right from the start.”

Sir Bruce, who had a string of memorable catchphrases, the best known of which was arguably “Nice to see you, to see you ... nice!”, was still hugely popular with younger viewers, as well as the older generation, having achieved his big TV break in 1958 on the must-watch variety show Sunday Night at the London Palladium.

His seemingly endless list of TV game shows included Play Your Cards Right, Bruce Forsyth’s Big Night and The Price is Right, but also as a guest quiz master on Have I Got News For You?

Three years ago, he was still compering the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing on prime-time Saturday night TV, but after a fall at home in October 2015 he had to pull out and last appeared in a Children In Need Christmas special the following month.

BBC director-general Tony Hall described Sir Bruce was as “one of the greatest entertainers our country has ever known”.

He added that, with The Generation Game in the 1970s and Strictly Come Dancing, Sir Bruce had “delighted millions of people and defined Saturday night television for decades. His warmth and his wit were legendary.

“I’ve never seen anyone quite like him when it comes to performing in front of a crowd. He had a remarkable chemistry with his audience – that’s what made him such an amazing professional and why he was so loved.”

Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman paid a touching tribute to her predecessor. She posted on Twitter: “He was the King of TV, the Prince of performers and the most generous of people... all toe-tapping twinkle, all kindness, all love....”

She added: “The Bruce you saw really was the man he was. We’ll miss him so much.”

TV host Vernon Kay, who is married to Strictly Come Dancing host Tess Daly, wrote on Instagram: “Devastating news that the Entertainment Legend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away.

“It’s been an honour to be able to get to know him as a friend. And we will cherish the times we spent together...

“He defined Saturday Night telly and re wrote the book on TV Hosting...Will miss his energy and fun both in the studio and on the golf course.

“Thoughts are with Winnie and his family.”

Former Strictly co-host Tess Daly said: “There are no words to describe how heartbroken I am to be told the saddest news, that my dear friend Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away. From the moment we met, Bruce and I did nothing but laugh our way through a decade of working together on Strictly Come Dancing and I will never forget his generosity, his brilliant sense of humour and his drive to entertain the audiences he so loved.”

The show’s former judge, Len Goodman, said: “His work ethic, professionalism and charm will be with me forever.

“He has been there for me as a co-host, a mentor, but most importantly as a friend, and I’m extremely fortunate to have worked alongside the man who defined Saturday night entertainment for so many decades.

“He was a gentleman and a true legend and I will miss him deeply.” My heart goes out to Winnie, his wife, and his beautiful family at this sad time.”

The BBC’s Strictly team said they were “devastated”, adding that he was a “beloved” entertainer who was absolutely at the “heart of the show”.

They signed off: “All the team at Strictly send our condolences to his family and friends. Bye, Brucie. You’re our favourite.”

Radio presenter Tony Blackburn praised his former co-star as a comedian who “didn’t need swear words to get a laugh”.

Describing the London-born star as warm and friendly, he added “Bruce was a big name because everyone knew him; Sunday Night at the London Palladium was watched by everyone, whereas nowadays it’s not quite the same.” Comedian Rob Brydon said he was a “true one-off, a wonderful entertainer”.

“He didn’t need to use swear words to get a laugh.”

Prime Minister Theresa May recalled on Twitter how she watched Sir Bruce “dance, sing, joke and laugh,” on screen and added that he would be missed.

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said Sir Bruce was a “tireless charity campaigner”.

Sir Bruce’s manager revealed that a friend visited the star two weeks ago and asked him what he had been doing for the past 18 months. “With a twinkle in his eye, he responded: ‘I’ve been very, very busy... being ill!’ ”