I think personally that he always gets a grump on when things don't go the way they're planned (or suppose to) Like in the final a couple years back when Mcfly invaded the stage etc.

I like Bruce, but I do think he's struggling now and it's quite sad to watch.

As for him been homophobic? Don't see it and it's pretty uncalled for to put such a label on someone without much to show for it.

I don't think Bruce is homophobic but I do think he has a tendency to kill off any spontaneity on the show. Remember him batting away McFly when Harry won? Or last year, when all the contestants rushed to congratulate Louis and Flavia, he totally spoiled the moment by getting very grumpy with everyone and bringing down the atmosphere? I can't relax and enjoy the programme with him presenting because it feels like I am waiting for the next awkward moment.

They have cut the length of his jokes I think the last couple of weeks. He still has the basic problem that he comes with 70 years of references for his jokes, and some of the audience has 20 years experience of a different world where there are fewer standard references. He might as well speak Tibetan to those people as tell jokes about Ena Sharples. Thats a problem though whoever does it. The old comics have the same references, most ramble more and tell longer jokes, much of the audience is over 60 anyway, and many wouldn't understand modern references, and there are no modern young comedians who are that funny, or suitable for 6 PM transmission.

There's a lot of people who don't get irony, and assume every word anyone mutters is true and not the act. There's also a lot of people who just don't understand that the basis of live TV is to get to the end with everything done in time. There's no time to let people do their own thing. Its the presenters job to keep them in line , on time. There may even be a voice shouting in his earpiece to move things on.

The alternatives are not obvious. Tess may need a co presenter. Claudia is too much of a rambling mess. Norton would be too negative. O Grady has similar faults to Bruce, and is less funny and less healthy. Vernon would be opposed by many. Zoe Ball could do it - as she has the knowledge experience and live presenting discipline - but she can speak faster than many of the viewers can think.

Basically, Brucie's been rather good this series. He's kept things going without any significant delays or dithering. His adlibs have mostly been to the point. He's done his job, of congratulating the good and interceeding for the over criticised, well. His jokes, with the exception of some early long ones that went over people's heads, have been shorter and better.

The only thing Bruce has managed to pull off so far is a sickie.

Hanging on for dear life whilst everyone cringes - the game was up the week Claudia and Tess ran the show so slickly, the judges and the contestants seemed so much more relaxed.

I don't know how anyone can come to the conclusion that he is homophobic nor sadly how anyone can think he's had a good series so far, but folk do. The beeb will continue to prop him up so just got to roll with it for now and fast forward the Bruce bits.

Good Lord, if he was homophobic he wouldn't have lasted 5 minutes in the entertainment industry!

I think that's the crux of the matter. It's always better without him.

Out of interest, my 80-year-old parents can't stand him, either.

To me, at first he seemed more startled than anything, then he slipped into his normal comedy act. And I think that most people would react in the same manner in that situation (back to the person, concentrating on, and talking to the judges).

This I have to agree with.

I don't think that Bruce is a nasty person; I just think he isn't right for the show. It flows better without him and has a lighter, brighter vibe when he isn't there. When he isn't over-controlling things, the other participants get more chance to shine. Tess and Claudia aren't the greatest alternative, but they are a vast improvement. It's just my own view, but I prefer an all-female presentation team.

Let's not forget "Have you ever danced with a Nancy before?"

Tess is perfectly able to monitor the pace of the show. Bruce is just cringeworthy now, how he scowls and squints when trying to read the autocue.

I sincerely hope he quits soon.

But the irony was that you tell jokes when producers tell you to make up the time for some background technical issues. He refused to wear ear piece as far as I know and when he's on the show he could go on and on about a 'joke' that we see the punch line a mile off and had to WAIT for him to finally get there. It's mighty frustrating. I don't want to be frustrated on Saturday evening when I am trying to relax and watch a really fun show such as SCD.

I grew up watching Bruce on many programmes and the indignant or annoyed act is just that - an act. It's his humour and always has been. Reading these comments and ones on other threads (not just about Bruce)it seems like too many people have had a sense of humour bypass. They take every comment as serious unless it's accompanied by huge peals of laughter to give them a clue it's funny. God forbid they should "get" anything that's tongue in cheek or subtle in any way. Too many people who think people like Keith Lemon are funny maybe. IMO

Bruce will not be getting fed instructions from the gallery because he refuses to wear an earpiece so apart from a floor manager frantically making "cut" gestures at him out of camera range, he just does his own thing.......the producers can't communicate with him so that's one reason why it runs more smoothly when he isn't there..... Tess, who IS wired up, keeps the timing much better, and when down on the main floor can keep Bruce in line.

The man is an egomaniac - and doesn't seem to realise that on a live show, time is of the essence, and especially in the early weeks, there just is not enough time for his ramblings, but the producers can't keep him under control.

I don't think he's homophobic in any way, it would be very difficult to be in show biz, but his problem is that as far as he is concerned, the Show is called Bruce Forsyth's Strictly Come Dancing, and he is the star of the show, so he hogs the limelight - often to the detriment of the show, and these days , to his dwindling reputation.

I think part of the problem is that when the show started the producers may have been afraid it would only appeal to a 'niche' audience. Having fronted many game shows and light entertainment shows Bruce will have been brought in to give it a more of a general appeal and told to do 'his thing'. I am sure having brought it along from scratch he sees it as his baby - unfortunately for him baby is up and running independently of him now. Under the circumstances I cant imagine the BBC being able to tell him they are bringing someone else in to do 'his' job. I personally think they should phase someone else in gradually, perhaps on his days off. The problem then is of course to pick the right person. Some of the people who have been suggested would be a turn off for many!
Personally I don't mind him although I am finding his constant wittering while the judges are talking irritating - although I concede that he means well and its just his way of being supportive to the celebrity.
I absolutely don't believe for a nano second that he is homophobic - considering he was a friend of Larry Grayson how could he be! He's a luvvie, having been in the business for 70 odd years there is no way on earth he would be even slightly shocked at the sight of one man kissing another on the cheek! He was just taken aback because he wasn't expecting it at that moment.
The 'incident' with Ben is being blown up out of all proportion IMO. He does like to be in charge (was one of his catch phrases even) I think he sees it as part of his MC duties and of course at his age he isn't so 'on the ball' that he can react instantly but I saw nothing more than him doing his usual grumpy 'I'm in charge' act.

Bruce's ego is way too big for SCD. He thinks it's all about him & wants all of the attention, all of the time.
The show is far better without him.

Yup, when the audience didn't get his jokes, he prompts them to laugh or go aw.

Quite like (sometimes) Keith Lemon but I also love Brucie. Keith Lemon I can watch with my 23yr old son but Sir Bruce I watch with my 7 year old niece and she loves his jokes having never heard them before.

LMHO what rubbish ..He is no more homophobic than Craig ! It is called showbiz and acting up for the show .He does well for his age and I must be watching another show ?

Exactly can't believe the stuff being spouted ..even for DS which is not known for it's love of people

Sadly the sharp timing he used to manage when he put on his Mr Grumpy act is gone. So now he just appears to be a spoilsport. Nor to be fair has the Mr Grumpy act really been used much for SCD, so it seems very out of place and glaringly rude.

Spot On.