Record-breaking British TV host Sir Bruce Forsyth has passed away at the age of 89.

The veteran star of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing was included in the Guinness World Records 2013 edition book after being recognised as having the Longest career as a male TV entertainer with an on-screen career which at that point had spanned 72 years.

The Middlesex-born entertainer had been unwell for some time and was in hospital earlier this year after a severe chest infection.

Sir Bruce’s TV career began with an appearance in 1939 on BBC's Come and Be Televised when he was just 11 years old.

His big break came in 1958 after an appearance with the comedian Dickie Henderson led to him being offered the job of compere on ITV’s Sunday Night At The London Palladium.

He would go on to become Britain's best-paid TV star, hosting prime time shows such as The Generation Game, Play Your Cards Right and The Price is Right.

Speaking at theme of his inclusion in the book, Sir Bruce said: "What a wonderful surprise, but what a shock - and it's all true."

A statement this afternoon from his manager, Ian Wilson, 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 18 months.

"With a twinkle in his eye, he responded 'I've been very, very busy... being ill!'"