Na, Brucie was never ill. [conspiracy mode] He just did not want to participate in last weeks scripted farce. When he read the script involving two injured dancers just to boost the ratings, he said "No thanks, I'll have a pass this week.".[/conspiracy mode]
Seriously. I'm glad he will be back. If only for sentimental reasons. We've all seen last week that the show can very well go on without him (comforting thought), but it is still his show. We will all lament the day he's really gone.