Former Strictly Come Dancing presenter Bruce Forsyth won’t be appearing in this year’s Christmas special.
The 88 year-old stepped down from the show in 2014, but continued to take part in the festive episodes.
While he wasn’t able to host the 2015 edition due to his health, he had recorded a video message to play in the episode.
But this year won’t feature a clip from Forsyth, who had “life-saving” surgery in February.
Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Line-Up 2016
“Last year the Strictly message was recorded in December, there are no plans to do one this year,” a source told The Mirror.
“It doesn’t seem right at this point. He needs a bit of peace and quiet to get on with getting better.
"How long that will take we don’t know, but he is still having great conversations, and is working with a physio. People need to remember he is 89 in February.”
The episode – which has already been filmed – is hosted by Strictly regulars Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, and will see the final appearance of Len Goodman.
The head judge is stepping down from his role at the end of the current main series – but has taken part in the 2016 Christmas special.
BBC One
