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Bruce Forsyth Leaves None Of £11.7 Million Fortune To His Six Children

Bruce Forsyth Leaves None Of £11.7 Million Fortune To His Six Children

Bruce's wife, Lady Wilnelia Merced was left with his fortune meaning that his son and five daughters will inherit nothing

Rebecca Shepherd

Rebecca Shepherd

Younger generations probably know Sir Bruce Forsyth best for his long running stint on Strictly Come Dancing and The Price is Right, but the TV veteran enjoyed an entertainment career spanning more then 75 years and was a regular fixture on British TV screens.

Some thought he would go on forever, but sadly in August last year he passed away aged 89.

Now, however, it has emerged that Brucie didn't leave a penny of his £11.7 million ($15.5m) fortune to his six children.

Instead, his third wife, Lady Wilnelia Merced, 60, will get everything, after funeral and legal expenses are paid out, reports the Mail On Sunday.

The late presenter did make provisions for his nine grandchildren and two other executors of his estate to receive a payment but none of his grown-up offspring are set to inherit anything directly from their dad.

According to the Mirror, Brucie guaranteed that Wilnelia wouldn't have to pay a penny of inheritance tax thanks to the legislation around spousal bequests.

Three years ago, Sir Bruce told the Radio Times that he didn't believe in inheritance tax.

He said: "I think your inheritance should go to your children more than back to the country that you've lived in.

"I'm not saying you don't owe the country something, of course you owe your country a lot for living there all those years. But I think it can be a bit over the top."

PA

Bruce's children - Debbie, Julie and Laura from his first marriage to Penny Calvert; Charlotte and Louisa from his second marriage to Anthea Redfern, and son Jonathan Joseph from his marriage to Wilnelia - will get nothing from their dad's estate unless Wilnelia leaves them something in her own will.

Their children (Bruce's grandchildren) are set to inherit £100,000 ($133,000) which has been left in trust for them. It will be split nine ways when each of them turns 21.

Once Lady Wilnelia is in possession of the money, she will be free to gift up to £650,000 ($863,000) to Bruce's relatives without paying tax on it.

PA

After Bruce passed away, his family were furious at claims that the presenter had arranged his financial affairs in such a way as to avoid paying inheritance tax.

However, had he bequeathed his fortune equally to his children, they would have had to pay thousands.

Bruce was knighted in 2011, having previously received an OBE in 1998 and CBE in 2006. He died 'peacefully at home', according to reports, at the age of 89, surrounded by his wife and all of his children.

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: Death, Celebrity, UK Entertainment, Community