IT’S not often you get the chance to see a living legend in action but Southampton did last night at the Mayflower Theatre.

And in the words of Craig Revel Horwood, he was fab-u-lous darling.

Sir Bruce Forsyth was back in the city doing what he loves most and what has secured him a place in the nation’s hearts for more than 70 years – variety.

And having watched the 86-year-old sing, dance, play the piano and tell jokes, he definitely proved that when it comes to entertainment, he’s still got it.

The veteran showman took to the stage for a rare live performance with the support of Strictly Come Dancing’s Dave Arch and some of the country’s finest musicians.

Appearing on stage to the tune of the hot BBC1 show, nearly 40 years since he last performed in Southampton, Sir Bruce had the crowd on his side straight away.

It wasn’t long before we were all in stitches with the 86-year-old’s jokes – it’s true that the old ones are the best but his new ones had us all laughing too.

He was soon in the audience enjoying off the cuff banter with his fans and we got a rare glimpse of the showman playing the piano.

Before the interval was up he had four of the audience on stage dancing with him, including Eastleigh Borough councillor Derek Pretty.

In the second half we were treated to some tap dancing, some Tom Jonesstyle gyration and a tribute to Sammy Davis Jnr.

He got a standing ovation after his last song and afterwards came back on stage for a Question and Answer session.

It was during this that he said he loved being back in Southampton nearly 40 years after he tried his first oneman show at the then Gaumout.

I for one am going to miss Sir Bruce on Strictly Come Dancing but if it means he can do more of this, then I guess his departure is not all bad news.

It was nice to see him, to see him, nice.