We get these 'Bruce must go ' threads every year, with the same old candidates for his replacement. Here's my view on it:

1)Bruce may be old and his jokes are lame, but he's the right man for this show
2)Any potential replacement must fit into the role, without their persona taking over. This rules out Barrowman, Norton, Kaye et all
3)Why does it have to be a male?

In my opinion Anton or (waits for the virtual bricks through the window) Len Goodman would be good replacements. They already know all the aspects of the show, it's organisation and production etc; and Len actually has a very dry wit that could become a good replacement for Bruce's old-fashioned humour. This would leave the way open for a new judge, hopefully someone that would provide a better balance for Bruno's excesses and Alesha's lack of knowledge.

You are way beyond wrong - Bruce is the glue that binds this show together

We go through this every year!
I adore Bruce and I'm happy for him to keep doing the show as long as he wants to. But like many I find some of his schtick cringey and he turns into the embarrassing elderly uncle.

When the time comes and a replacement is needed: Barrowman could seriously make me reconsider viewing the show (or at least I would be quick-draw McGraw with the mute button); Anton I could live with; but Graham Norton would be my dream choice.

If that's the case, then how come I can watch the show on Sky Plus and skip his bits out and enjoy it a whole lot more without his "input" - and I am not the only one, most of the people I know do the same! I watch it for the dancing and the nice atmosphere the show has, not for his "routines" at the beginning of every couple and his pleading with the audience for applause. I was a fan of his in the Generation Game days when I was growing up, but now it just all seems a bit desperate and tired.

I don't mind him at all. Having seen him perform his one man show while his was in his seventies and have an audience of all ages in stitches (believe me, I had been dragged along), I was full of admiration. Can cope with the corny jokes (just about) in context of his overall contribution to the show. He's a bit of a 'steady ship' for the celeb contestants, often out of their comfort zone, amidst all the bitching. I think he's remarkable for his age.

When he goes, Anton should take over. Much as I love John Barrowman, he's a bit too 'loud' for SCD. Graham Norton, I could just about welcome. Vernon Kaye? Forget it.

Have to agree. I don't even think Tess is a great presenter, but she and Bruce embody Strictly.

His jokes are lame, but I still laugh because it's Brucey! I hope he keeps presenting the show for as long as he physically can. After which, Anton should take over.

Hopefully, in the meantime, they'll give Anton a decent contestant so he can have a fair shot at winning the show.

the only person in Britain able enough to replace bruce is Bradley Walsh. one of this countries last great all rounders and very funny when ad libbing

Just do what I do and put your finger on the mute button whenever BF is on it seems the only solution given the Beeb's determination to keep him.

For those who say he's popular with the public, it's more accurate to say that he's popular with SOME of the public.

He's ever been an actual dancer - he's a hoofer, but thinks he's capable of making comments on the technicalities of ballroom and Latin, even to the extent of disagreeing with what the judges have said.

Any joke which has to have a comment added, isn't worth telling and that now applies to most of his "jokes".

He's 83. How many 83 year-old women appear regularly on TV, let alone on a prime-time show? And wpuld you want to see them? He's got what he wanted - his knighthood. Time to go.

Isn't the point that he's SUPPOSED to be the embarrassing old uncle?

That's his act. You no more get rid of Bruce Forsyth because he's a bit 'uncleish' than you do Graham Norton after realising he's a bit camp

What relevance has any of that got to do with things?

There are many women of his age and older, who are attractive and talented, but you'd never see them on TV. We all know the BBC is ageist as far as women are concerned, but not for men. The only reason he's still around is that he's considered "a legend". The fact that he's a completetly embarassing "legend" seems to be ignored.

As for the intention of him being the "embarassing old uncle", the problem with that is that he doesn't consider himself to be embarassing, any more than Edwina Currie did.

If I watch him, I physically cringe with embarassment. I tried to watch him for this year's opening show, but I was so uncomfortable that I record and ff now.

Such as? I'm stuck to think of anyone that even comes close to fitting those criteria.

Four that I can think of immediately:

Joan Bakewell 78

Betty white 88

Judi Dench 77

Joan Collins78

I think they keep Bruce because he makes Tess look good

Why not swap the formula over when Bruce retires, and have a younger fella and an older woman? Gethin Jones and Angela Rippon, anyone?

Well, apart from them not being 83 or older (except Betty White who is older and who might not wish to front a weekly live show in the UK even though she would have the ability to front it and be funny at the same time), how many would have the desire and abilities to front a live entertainment programme? Certainly Judi Dench does not spring to mind as a presenter (apart from awards ceremonies), and Joan Bakewell is a serious art/religious presenter, but hardly someone that would come to mind to present an entertainment programme, and not one that would be likely to come up with a funny quip or two.

As for Joan Collins, the same entertainment issue arises, I am not aware that she has presented live programmes, and would she do it anyway without becoming the star of the show and centre of attention. As for being talented ..... well, I am not convinced.

I think Bruce has been better so far this year. Perhaps I am getting old .
Bruce would be a tough act to follow.

Bruce's best moments always come when he's ad libbing. Unfortunately the BBC daren't ask him to use a script that's just info, and fly the rest by himself, because there are children watching and sooner or later something would be inappropriate. So the writers put in the telegraphed jokes and milking/berating the audience, and Bruce reels 'em off because he's a pro.

I used to think that Graham Norton would be too risque, but you couldn't fault him in the Lloyd Webber casting shows, and he'd be my top "broadcasting pro" replacement when the time comes.
But I think SCD would need a host who dearly loves the show, and that must surely mean a successful ex-contestant or a pro dancer. Anton loves himself more than anything, which rules him out for me. He'd probably treat hosting the show as his birthright. Karen Hardy; too analytical, not enough sense of humour behind the loud laugh.

I think the answer is currently hosting ITT. Zoe Ball would be stunned and proud at being handed the torch, and she's also a consummately professional presenter, as she's currently proving five evenings a week.

For proven chemistry, gender balance, and the potential for a more dance-oriented opening and close with Zoe, I'd ask Ian Waite to audition for the Tess role. I haven't a clue if he's got it in him, but I'd like to see him try.

Some people are never satisified with Strictly Come Dancing as it is. They always think that their way would be better. Lets change a Judge, or Bruce, or Tess. SCD has been going for years because the mix is right maybe? And, personally I love Bruce and think that he adds to it. Whatever element is changed another person will not like and, it will start all over again. I am just thankful that we have a lovely show like SCD.

I don't mind Bruce in the slightest. Tess on the other hand...

Agreed. Another year another rather pointless anti-Brucie thread.

Only Anton could possibly take over and he's in it!

Never in a month of Sundays!

Just saw Bruce on the news getting his Knighthood from the Queen.

I wonder if he greeted her with, Nice to see you!

Imagine if she had come back with, To see you nice!

Judi Dench is far too talented at what she does. Collins virtually retired. 88 is a little to old for Betty the genius. Joan Bakewell totally unsuitable for this type of show.

Well, I think we've proved that we're never going to get a combination that pleases everyone