Come on, let's be honest, he's really an embarrassment. I don't care if he's 85, his jokes aren't funny and his presenting skills are atrocious. His scripted 'ad-libs' are about as funny as a pimple.

He tries to draw attention to himself all the time and it's like that embarrassing uncle at a wedding who insists on getting up to show off his singing skills.

The sunday results show always runs a lot more smoothly and is way more fun to watch, and it's all down to Bruce not being there.

If they insist on a male older host, why not Terry Wogan? He presented the original version and he proves every year on Children in Need that he's funny, charming and can still present the hell out of a show (and he's not so lazy that he only presents one night!)

Get rid of Bruce.

Hmm..

Many would be with you about Bruce, but I guess as many wouldn't be with Terry.
No point in replacing an 85 year old codger with a 75 year-old one.

We need a less "high profile self-opinionated" compere, not another naffin' one.

The two women can do it for most and the viewers, according to the ratings.

The Sunday show runs smoothly because it is recorded! We don't know how many errors they are chopping out.

It's recorded 'as live' though. They only cut out breathing space (notice no long VTs to cover up the dance floor being set up) and if there's any swearing they bleep it.

When Bruce was off last week it ran much smoother, there was no having a joke at the contestant's expense and "oh look everyone's standing up for you!".

He wasn't good in the 70s, seemingly it's only the BBC and Bruce himself who think he's actually good.

Yawn.

Don't forget the target audience. 15-90 and the presenters reflect this.

Bruce would be totally wrong on 8 out of 10 cats, but not on SCD.

The likely answer to the OP is when he dies. Can't see anything stopping Brucie before then


Really? Have you seen Len's Lens?

I wouldn't even put money on that.
The more likely scenario is when hell freezes over, the sun rises in the west and Anton does a great jive.

I like Len's lens.... it's funny! But yeah, I can't see him retiring before he dies (and I think he's got a pact with the devil, so who knows how long that might take!)

I would love to see Barrowman present it, he's perfect for it really.

Bruce has to go, but I'd like to see a younger model than Tel, he's nearly as old as Bruce. Claudia is looking good to me (very good). OMG anyone but Barrowman.

Anton is a good presenter

Vernon Kay>?


Winklebottom is annoying. Upside-down eyes and silly fringe - not enough gravitas for a Sat night show.

I was just making the point that Tel is the same age as Bruce was when Strictly started but is a better presenter. Bruce was like this from the start.

Winkleman is great, she doesn't take stuff too seriously and is clearly naturally funny and a great presenter.

You can't blame the two presenters for that bit of embarrassing nonsense, or can you?

I wouldn't count on him leaving willingly. I hear he has a contractual arrangement with Dr. Frankenstein if nature betrays him.

You got me until you mentioned your name, Lord Wogan...

That's beyond the budget. Just a Hologram will do. All his speech are easily replicated as he recycled them anyway (eg. the here here here airport joke, first time used on Chelsee's QS).

I read in the papers as well that all the contestants are told to laugh just in case the camera cuts to them.

I read that too, I think that's common practice. Sometimes if shows are recorded then they edit 'laugh faces' in slots they want US to laugh as well. Not just BBC, I believe all stations are guilty of this. It's an old trick.

Dear John,
The sad fact to admit is that we have been saying all this for the PAST 4 OR 5 YEARS and the BBC REFUSES TO PUSH HIM OFF.
It is depressing.
I think we all need counselling (and Bruce should foot the bill).
So, many sighs all round, be ready to absorb the flak, and see you on this board with the same message next year.

I don't think he'll ever have the self awareness to realise he's past it. I can see him being wheeled on in a bath chair and mumbling his unfunny jokes.

If Bruce says at any time, "I think you all did very well!", from him, it won't look or sound out of place now.

Someone needs to tell him, it's not like he needs the money! Why's he a knight as well, he's ruined entertainment if anything...

I love Bruce and would like him to go on forever
BUT
Even I realised that the weeks he hasn't been present have been slightly more enjoyable - you aren't worrying about someone stumbling over their lines.

This series he has been slightly worse than previously, I wonder if (by taking a break in the middle) he realises that he might not be able to carry on much longer. But I think the BBC will leave it to Bruce to decide, not the other way round.

As to a replacement, I would love to see Anton compering. He would be perfect, he has rapport with all the judges and dancers and could keep some of the humour that we love with Bruce.

Nobody loves Bruce's humour though, it's embarrassing. If they want humour they could easily get a comedian with good presenting skills or at least someone who can make a joke not sound scripted.

Well you know Knights move in mysterious ways. He gets around more than a Spanish horse.