Sir Bruce Forsyth will not be hosting the ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ Christmas special.
The 87-year-old presenter – who stepped down as host of the main show in 2014 – has had to pull out of co-hosting the upcoming festive special after undergoing surgery earlier this year.
Filming for the episode is set to take place next week and is too early for Sir Bruce to have made a full recovery from the operation.
The long studio hours mean he’s unable to host the show but he will stay play a part in the production.
The much-loved star will record a special video message for this year’s celebrity line-up and the viewers at home, which will air during the episode on Christmas Day at 6.15 pm on BBC One.
Claudia Winkleman – who has taken over from Bruce on the main show – will host alongside Tess Daly.
The news comes after it was claimed he was expected to make a "speedy recovery" after undergoing a successful operation on an abdominal aortic aneurysm a week after filming the ‘Strictly’ ‘Children in Need’ special.
His manager said at the time: "The procedure was a complete success and while Sir Bruce needs to rest and recuperate, it is anticipated, given the minimally invasive nature of this operation, he will make a speedy recovery."
Sir Bruce Forsyth not hosting Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
