Following the news of the sad death of Sir Bruce Forsyth, we take a look into the occasions in which he came to Southampton - the city that launched his one-man variety shows.

He was photographed with his family when he visited the city on March 29 1962 as they boarded the Union-Castle liner Pendennis Castle ahead of a five week holiday in South Africa.

The liner was awash with photographers and reporters, all eager to get a picture or scoop.

The star, who had already gained fame from presenting Sunday Night at the Palladium, told the Daily Echo: “It is the first five week holiday I have ever had. Mind you, I’ve been out of work for five weeks - longer come to think of it”

“This is not our first liner trip - Penny and I spent our honeymoon on board the Stratheden in 1953.

“On this trip we shall land at Cape Town and we shall then go to Johannesburg and the game reserve at Kruger Park, then we may drop down to Durban.”

Bruce came to Southampton again 13 years later when he performed at the Gaumont Theatre on January 4, 1975.

The two hour show included singing, dancing, comedy and even a mini Generation Game.

A few days ahead of the performance, Bruce drove to Southampton to check on a few technical details, and to have a chat with the Daily Echo.

“When you first go into the business, it’s difficult to fill a 12-minute spot. As you go on you find it easier to fill a 20-minute spot and then half-an-hour.

“I want to see if it’s possible to do two hours of Bruce Forsyth - with orchestra. If you can do concert shows - and I don’t think there’s another British comedian who does this - it takes you into another sphere.”

Bruce chose Southampton for his first one-man variety show because “they’re always such a lovely audience.”

He delivered his irrepressible and energetic performance to over 2,000 fans and was praised for being suitable for the whole family.

The crowd went wild, giving a well deserved standing ovation, spurring him on to deliver an extra half an hour.

Just 18 months later and Bruce was back at the Gaumont Theatre - this time for two dates.

It wasn’t until 1982 when Bruce was next back at The Gaumont - but not just for his one-man show this time.

He joined a special backstage party to mark the retiring and leaving of six members of staff from the theatre.

Just three years ago, in May 2014, Bruce performed in the same building where his one-man variety shows were born - although by now it was called The Mayflower.

Although it had been nearly 40 years since his first performance, he clearly hadn’t lost his appeal or wit, as the Southampton crowds stood to cheer him one last time.