Bruce Forsyth modelled his CBE with wife Wilnelia

The TV presenter and music hall veteran, 78, who was at the ceremony with his wife Wilnelia, said the CBE was "the ultimate Brucie Bonus".

Forsyth, who was awarded an OBE in 1998, got his big break as a compere of Sunday Night at the Palladium in 1958.

He was also at the palace last week for a reception for over-60 celebrities.

Forsyth admitted to being nervous at Wednesday's reception.

"The occasion is overwhelming but, of course, rewarding," he said.

"I've been in showbusiness now for 64 years. It makes it a very special occasion for me and a great honour."

Forsyth was greeted at the Palace by state porter Douglas Drawbridge

"The Queen said she didn't realise she would be seeing me quite so soon again," Forsyth told reporters.

"I said 'Yes Ma'am. Where are we going next week?'"

'Nice to see you'

Forsyth found widespread fame as the host of gameshows The Price is Right and The Generation Game.

He has seen a resurgence in his career since hosting BBC One celebrity show Strictly Come Dancing and a guest slot on Have I Got News for You.

He had previously spent years touring the country with his act, playing the ukulele and banjo, singing and dancing.

Gameshows became his forte in the 1970s with Play Your Cards Right and the Generation Game cementing his place in the public's affection.

He invented catchphrases for all his shows, including "nice to see you, to see you nice".

But he said he did not try them out on the Queen. "I don't say my catchphrases when I'm not working. The Queen might not know them."

Forsyth earned his first National TV Awards nomination in 2004 and was the subject of a Bafta TV tribute.