Urban explorers have uncovered haunting signs of neglect inside the former luxury mansion of the late TV icon Bruce Forsyth, located in the prestigious Wentworth Estate.
A Storied Property Left to Ruin
Bruce Forsyth, renowned for hosting shows like Strictly Come Dancing, The Generation Game, and Play Your Cards Right, owned this multi-million-pound manor until his death from bronchial pneumonia in 2017 at age 89. His widow, Wilnelia, sold the nine-bedroom property for £5.7 million in April 2020. Today, the estate stands derelict, featuring amenities such as a tennis court, 10-seater cinema room, library, gymnasium, swimming pool, spa area, and wine cellar.
Signs of Abandonment Outside and In
Despite metal gates securing the entrance, explorers accessed the grounds and documented widespread decay. Moss and weeds cloak the mansion’s exterior, while the once-luxurious tennis court suffers from overgrowth. The home remains frozen in time internally, with original fittings, carpets, and furniture intact. The indoor pool fares worst, filled with green, algae-choked water and a submerged safety barricade. A small cottage hides amid the garden grounds.
The exclusive estate has housed celebrities like Dame Judi Dench and Angelina Jolie in neighboring properties. Wilnelia reportedly relocated to a smaller home nearby.
Police Probe and Heightened Security
Footage from the explorers amassed thousands of online views, sparking complaints from concerned neighbors and a police response. Surrey Police stated: “Surrey Police responded to a report of an incursion at a property in Virginia Water on Sunday, 11 January. Police enquiries were completed, and no further action has been taken.”
A private security team, costing £500 per day, now guards the site to prevent further intrusions. Upset locals remarked: “To see these lowlifes break in and film themselves inside for clicks and views on YouTube is just so heartless.”
