DIDN'T he do well? After more than 60 years in showbiz, Bruce Forsyth is now officially the nation's most admired golden oldie, according to a new poll.

The fleet-footed octogenarian who presents Strictly Come Dancing, merited a "nice to see you... nice" from more than half of those questioned.

In second place was the original 007, Sean Connery, who is still acting and producing movies at the age of 78.

Meanwhile, fellow Scot Sir Alex Ferguson came third with one in five (21 per cent) of the 3,000 surveyed voting for the football legend who still shows no signs of handing in his team sheet.

It was no surprise (surprise) that 64-year-old former Blind Date presenter Cilla Black was voted the most admired female of advancing years And EastEnders queen of the Vic, Barbara Windsor, clearly won't be calling time just yet after polling more than 26 per cent of the vote.

Doreen Tobitt, a retired health visitor from Poole, who runs workshops on how to have an active retirement, is a big fan of Bruce Forsyth.

"I think he is a great example of how to live life to the full and not let age be an issue. He has got so much energy and yet he never hides his age - he is happy to grow old gracefully."

Doreen,who is in her early 70s, works out at the gym three times a week, is a school governor and is also involved with The Prince's Trust.

"Life doesn't have to stop when you retire - there are many more opportunities now for people to live life to the full well into their old age."

David Anderson, chief executive of Co-op Insurance, who carried out the poll, added: "Bruce Forsyth is a great example to aspiring golden oldies who no longer see retirement as a time to just sit back and relax but really want to enjoy their lives to the full."

Pensioner Sylvia Harvell, a keen dancer from Poole, who is in her mid-70s, agreed.

"A lot of people just tend to sit back in their armchairs and take up knitting or something when they get to our age," she said.

"But I believe it is never too late to try something new."