Sir Bruce Forsyth found ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ a "hard slog".
The 86-year-old TV presenter announced his decision to leave his role as host of the BBC One dancing competition last month, and he admits he found it tough to keep up with the number of contestants and the pressure to ensure the series continues to ride high in the ratings.
He explained: "When it starts you have maybe 15, 16 couples and it’s a hard slog. Then the stress … the bigger a show gets the more you want to keep the show up there and then you get nervous."
Bruce felt it was the "right time" to leave before viewers get sick of him, but will miss being part of the hit show.
He told ITV’s ‘Loose Women’: "I’m going to miss it like mad but there is always a time to go. You’ve got to make up your mind when is the right time to go, and I thought it was.
"The only thing I could think of is, I didn’t want to be like a piece of old fruit where it gradually goes off."
The TV legend will most miss his co-presenter Tess Daly, who will front the new series with Claudia Winkleman.
He added: "I will miss it – Tess particularly. She is a darling to work with and I adore her."
Bruce Forsyth: Strictly was a ‘hard slog’
