Body of Italian TV host stolen from tomb

The body of Italy's answer to Bruce Forsyth has been stolen from his tomb. Police were investigating the bizarre crime and believe that the thieves may intend to ransom the remains of Italy's best-loved quiz show host. Credited with pioneering the quiz show format in the 1950s, Mike Bongiorno was one of the country's most popular entertainers before he died of a heart attack in Sept 2009 at the age of 85.

Thieves broke into his tomb in a cemetery on the shores of Lake Maggiore, north of Milan, and removed his coffin. His eldest son, Michele, said his family were "shocked and horrified" by the discovery. "Words cannot describe how we feel," he said.



A former singer and television star, Iva Zanicchi, who is now an MEP, described the theft as "monstrous." Bongiorno's longevity in television and appeal invited comparisons with the host of the Generation Game. Instead of Bruce Forsyth's "Nice to see you, to see you – nice!", Bongiorno's trademark greeting was "Allegria!" (Happiness!)

Flanked by bikini-clad showgirls, he presented shows such as the Italian version of Wheel of Fortune and Beat the Clock. Such was his standing that he was given a state funeral in Milan which was attended by thousands of mourners, including Silvio Berlusconi.