A will expert reckons there's a plausible reason why Bruce Forsyth reportedly didn't leave any of his fortune to his kids.
The much-loved star, who was one of the most popular faces on TV sadly died in 2017, aged 89.
Following his death, it was claimed none of Bruce's six children would inherit anything from his £11.7million fortune in his will.
The Strictly Come Dancing star had previously spoken out about inheritance tax and how he thought kids should inherit their parents' wealth.
Bruce told Radio Times in 2015: "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."
However if the reports surrounding Bruce's estate are correct, a will expert reckons the showbiz stalwart may actually have played his cards right.
Maplebrook Wills said: "On the face of it, it seems like a smart move. If he had left money to his children, 40 per cent of the amount exceeding the inheritance tax threshold would go to HRMC. The threshold is £325,000 for a single person.
"Bruce had six children – a son and five daughters – and nine grandchildren from his three marriages. But rather than leaving anything to his children, he left £11.5m to his widow, Lady Wilnelia Merced, in his will. In 2019, she wound up his business – reportedly worth a further £4.5m.
"In contrast, there’s an exemption if your estate is passed to a spouse or civil partner. So, Bruce’s widow would have paid no inheritance tax."
Despite Bruce's kids Debbie, Julie, Laura, Charlotte, Louisa and son Jonathan Joseph reportedly being left nothing, the star did make provisions for his nine grandchildren.
It was reported they would each inherit £100,000, which was left in a trust fund to be split nine ways after they turn 21. A further two payments of £20,000 would go to two of his executors, it was claimed.
After her husband's death, Lady Wilnelia planted Forsythia around a bench dedicated to Brucie at Wentworth gold club, where he was a member for years.
She said she did it to remember her “darling Bruce” adding: “We miss you always, today more than ever.”
She explained: “I remember saying to him, ‘But Bruce, how will I know what to do when you’re not here? I can’t even work the TV without you!’
“He turned to me and said, ‘Just look for the rainbow, my darling’.
“Now his children send me pictures of rainbows from wherever they are and it’s really just this wonderful feeling.”
