Generation Game reboot to feature Bruce Forsyth tribute

12 October 2017

'The Generation Game' reboot is to feature a tribute to Sir Bruce Forsyth.

Sir Bruce Forsyth

BBC bosses are planning to the give the late legendary entertainer, who hosted the popular game show from 1971 until 1977 and for four years between 1990 and 1994, the send off he deserves with plans to have Bruce - who sadly passed away at the age of 89 in August - appear to open the first episode as if he is "handing over the reins" to new co-hosts Mel Giedroyc and Sue Perkins.

A source told The Sun newspaper: "The plan is to have Bruce suitably honoured in the first episode -- almost as if he's handing over the reins.

"He's such a huge part of the show that it seems the right thing to do.

"The plan is for him to feature on screen. The final details haven't been ironed out but it's going to be a touching moment, a big tribute to the man who started it all."

After the 'Strictly Come Dancing' host left, the late Larry Grayson took over as host from 1978 until 1982, with Jim Davidson then taking over until 2002.

Former 'Great British Bake Off' hosts Mel and Sue will front a four-episode run of the classic BBC One competition, which sees pairs of family members battle it out in a series of games before the winning team faced the conveyer belt memory test to win a host of prizes.

The excited presenters said of their gig: "It's a cuddly toy, it's a toaster, it's a circular power saw, no it's MEL and SUE DOING THE GENERATION GAME! We can't believe it, we are so excited! (sic)"

The revamped show will combine aspects of the original series with new games and will see Mel, 49, and Sue, 47, joined by a panel of famous judges, while celebrity guests will also be making surprise appearances.

There were plans for Paul O'Grady to host a revival in 2004, but after shooting two pilot episodes, which were never broadcast, the presenter and production team were unhappy and he left the project.

Graham Norton hosted a one-off Christmas celebrity special, 'Generation Fame', in 2005 and Vernon Kay stepped in to front a Comic Relief special in 2011.