As Bruce Forsyth prepared to celebrate his 80th birthday last night the television entertainer revealed his secrets of eternal youth: a young wife and grandchildren.

Forsyth, who is married to a former Miss World, Puerto Rico-born Wilnelia, 48, was throwing a party at the Dorchester Hotel in London for 280 of his friends, including Dame Shirley Bassey.

Before the party he said that retirement was increasingly on his mind, adding: “If I become past it, if I’ve gone over the top, I think I’ll know. If I don’t, then I’ll rely on my agent, my manager and my wife to tell me it’s time to turn in.”

He said of his wife: “We won’t talk about the age gap, that will make me feel tired. But she does keep me young.

“She’s the most wonderful lady who has a career of her own. She’s been at the forefront of keeping me young.

“I also have seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. If that doesn’t keep you going, what can?”

The Strictly Come Dancing host arrived at the Dorchester Hotel, London, in the company of Georgia Horsley, Miss England, and Jennifer Guevara, Miss Puerto Rico.

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