By which I mean if Bruce decides not to retire after this series, I think they need to rework which presenter has which role and even introduce Claudia into Saturday nights.

I think if Bruce left, the only thing I'd miss him for is the comedy links introducing the next couple. I feel Tess is much more professional and competent (right now, Bruce used to be much better but he's lost his touch and often comes across as very rude) at handling the judges comments section. However, I also prefer the occasions when Claudia is in 'The Tesspit'. I think Claudia relates/interacts much better with the contestants and adds a bit more improvised humour, rather than Tess who makes clear failed scripted attempts at humour.

Therefore, I think from next year it would be smart for the BBC to play to each presenter's strength, not only to keep things fresh but also to relieve Brucie of some of his duties.

I think they should have Bruce and Tess open the show; Tess deal with the judges comments after the couple of danced. They are then sent off to Claudia in the pit. Claudia then hands over to Bruce (maybe even with Tess) to introduce the next couple. This would also make things more consistent for the events of Bruce's days off. It would simply be following the normal format, except Tess would introduce the next couple.

What do you guys think?

I think that Bruce would not accept a reduced role. He sees it as "his show."

He considers himself so important that he has in the past dictated to the BBC, first by not wanting to do the "Sunday show" and this year wanting time off.
I mean what other presenter would say to their bosses. "Look I'll do the show, but I don't fancy doing it every Saturday for a whole three months."

I believe the BBC has accommodated him this year, but I can't see them letting "the tail wag the dog" next year. There will be plans afoot, they aren't daft.

Someone else suggested that he should do the Sunday show and leave the Saturday show to Tess and Claudia.

This would be less of a strain on him as it's recorded.
He'd then be able to "blag his way through" another year. It'd be much less of a strain on him and they could edit out all his mistakes.

But can you see him accepting a "reduced role?"
The vanity of the man wouldn't allow it.

I'm sure he insists on being introduced as "Sir Bruce."

Can you imagine Mick Jagger doing the same?

"Give it up for Sir Mick Jagger and the Rolling Stones!"

Just get rid of him completely, he loves making it all about him, he takes forever to introduce a couple telling a stupid joke, telling everyone to shut up wish he would shut up.

Tess/Claud are good together, Bruce is not needed. I hope he retires.

You're being too kind - I hope he get's FIRED!

Absolutely agree with you.

Brucie is well past his sell-by date - and to be honest, I don't find many of his jokes funny.

Oh no, another 'Get rid of Bruce' thread. He's not going anywhere, you will have to live with it. The show is huge and he is the headliner.

And yet again it would appear you have jumped in without reading the Opening Post.

Yes, its not as if the latest one has dropped off the first page either.

The Opening poster has not suggested getting rid of Bruce, but an alternative way of managing his struggles whilst still keeping him as part of the show.

I do wish people would read the Opening Post before jumping in.

That won't work - the results show has to be recorded after all the dances have been completed and the voting done, and that's past his bed time.

Err, I DID read the opening post. So please, don't assume that you knew what I had or had not done.


And to me, that opening post fits in very nicely with the "Bruce must go" threads that seemingly arise twice-weekly. Especially so given some of the ensuing comments (which surely had to be expected, given the subject nature of that post).

BIB. No, he is not. He is one of two co-hosts.

As for 'another get rid of Bruce thread', no-one is forcing you to read. Or comment.

Something wrong with your perception if you say you read the opening post. It was clearly a reasoned suggestion which might help the old codger, given that he's obviously struggling this year.

Nowhere did it suggest getting rid of him. Even the title would have told you that.

I think he'd be OK"upstairs". He could be a bit more ad hoc and would have the cards to read from so less reliant on the autocue. Just a question of making sure he doesn't talk too much and let the couples have their say before the scores. (which may be the challenge!)

I am quite confident Tess can manage his role admirably.

If the BBC said "it's that or off you go, my Lord" I suspect he'll aquiesce.

And another thing. Why is there no BF appreciation thread? There doesn't appear to be one. Admittedly it would have the same 5 posters, but at least they could gush and fawn over the old codger in there, and no-one would disagree with them!

A reasoned suggestion that could have been added to many of the existing "Bruce must go" threads, especially in light of the almost certain knowledge that it would be likely attract the same "Bruce should go" calls from other posters (which indeed it had at that point) - see posts 3, 4 and 5 just before my comment.

But not to worry ...

As I said earlier, the Sunday show is recorded. So any mistakes he made could be edited out. This would stop a lot of the criticisms of his poor performances and he'd be able to salvage some of his reputation which I suggest it appears he's bent on damaging, but presently he can't see it.

However, as alluded to elsewhere, the time of that recording might be judged to be too late in the evening for him (9pm - 10:30pm or so?)

You clearly didn't read my post because I'm not saying to axe Bruce right now, as many other threads do. I'm clearly acknowledging that's highly unlikely to happen, and therefore offering a reasonable solution to keep Bruce as part of the show, and playing to his strengths.

If it comes across as an I hate Bruce, get rid of him thread, it's not supposed to. I'm merely pointing out each presenter's strengths and how BBC should use those for the next series.

See my reply above (post 18).

Fair enough, but it's not my fault because have made following comments related to an I hate Bruce thread. The aim was for it to be constructive alternatives in the likely scenario that Bruce's stays on the show (which many a few other people have realised).

No probs.

The day I start actually worrying about things said on DS....

I agree it's about minimising his visible errors and that would be one way of doing it.

For me I'd quite like to see him having a bit of banter with the couples, a bit like his old days in the quiz shows, and where there is less of a formal role in making links using the autocue.

I suppose there's two ways of doing that, either give him the upstairs slot on the main show, or a role in the results one, perhaps where he talks to the couples as they are saved.

Might be better than the rather lame jokes he makes about them as he introduces them on the main show.

Retired? fired? as long as he goes without expiring live on air (which would really put a dampner on things and make it all about him yet again!) then it's all good - I just want him gone.

Change of roles, good idea.

Always have a cheese and pickle one,
but I might go for a ham salad next time