Bruce Forsyth quits Strictly Come Dancing after ten years as presenter

The 86-year-old says it is the "right time" to leave the show
Pippa Bailey4 April 2014
The Weekender

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Sir Bruce Forsyth is stepping down from presenting Strictly Come Dancing after ten years on the show.

The 86-year-old television personality will no longer present the live shows, but will remain at the BBC to present the pre-recorded Strictly Christmas Special, the Strictly Children in Need Special and other one-off shows.

Bruce said: "I believe it is now the right time to step down from the rigours of presenting the Strictly live shows. I am very proud of what the show has achieved and confident it will entertain the nation for many years to come."

Adding: "Before anyone asks... I am not retiring quite yet!"

Bruce's future on the show had been uncertain for several months, after already taking a step back in series 11, and missing episodes for ill health.

Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly will return to our screens this Saturday to host Strictly Come Dancing

Speaking to the Sun last year he said: "The constant week-after-week can drag you down, especially when you are getting older."

Mark Linsey, the BBC's controller of Entertainment Commissioning, said: “One of the joys of my job is working with Sir Bruce Forsyth and long may that continue. He is the all-time master and commander when it comes to Great British entertainers and Strictly owes him such a great deal. This is not a farewell, but you can’t blame him for wanting to take things a little bit easier.”

BBC One controller Charlotte Moore said: "Sir Bruce Forsyth is one of the great showbiz legends of our time and Strictly’s success is due in vast amounts to him. I am so pleased he will continue to be part of the Strictly family and promise viewers that we haven't seen the last of him on BBC One.”

The presenter, whose career has spanned over 70 years, rose to fame presenting Sunday Night at the London Palladium in the 1950s and has since gone on to present shows including The Price is Right, Play Your Cards Right and The Generation Game.

Strictly Come Dancing returns to BBC One this autumn.

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