IT was sad news to learn of the death of one of England’s greatest entertainers, Bruce Forsyth, but he can go to his grave in the knowledge that he lived life to the full in his personal life and on the stage.

Young and old will have memories of his game shows and he was never touched by any controversy.

As presenter of his last show, Strictly Come Dancing, he brought fun and humour into it which since his failing health stopped him performing has certainly had a impact on the show.

Personally, for me, it was a Saturday must-see show but not any more.

I think Strictly has run its course as it struggles to have celebrities on who have any meaning to the general public, and the former fun and humour has certainly disappeared.

Scraping the barrel for contestants with the likes of Ed Balls and Judy Murray brought me to switch off the infernal machine and go to the pub.

This year’s pick of the bunch are not much better.

The producer needs to get a grip on this show and get contestants such as weather girls Keeley Donovan, Lucy Verasamy and Jo Blythe, and fell walker presenter Julia Bradbury.

Claudia Winkleman is okay in her format but not for heading Strictly.

I predict if this show carries on the way it is, viewing figures will continue to fall.

Brucie left some big shoes to fill and I cannot see anyone in the present day of all round entertainers who can fill them.

Bob Waite, Holgate, York