Fair enough as well, but post 24 made just over 10 mins ago seems to fly in the face of that. Hardly constructive, and in truth comments that I find rather distasteful (not aiming that at you btw)

I quite like the idea of a bit of banter with the couples, something that is less than scripted and which would allow his ad-libbing skills to prosper.

Unfortunately, with the present format, there isn't time for it.
The problem is, that he tries to make time, which must give the producers nightmares.
He still acts as if he's still in his game show heyday, when time wasn't quite so important.

It's Tess who has to make up the time, when he "goes off on one" or they have to miss out a judge's comments, because he's spent too long trying to get the audience to laugh at one of his lame jokes.

It's quite pathetic really.
But if he were part of the recorded show, it could be edited to fit the time and his fluffs would not appear.

I'm pretty sure the show isn't called "Bruce Forsyth's Strictly Come Dancing" so as far as I'm concerned he doesn't come close to being the headliner.

He's just the co-host of a dancing show and should frankly be billed lower than Tess (she presents both shows every weekend whereas he just does the one).

I did read it and I could even read between the lines.

Ah!

I've got it now!

Is that why in your posts you sometimes attribute different meanings to other's posts, or words they haven't even said?

His name is announced first in every one of the shows he has been in as 'Your Host', He is the one who introduces the couples and leads the introduction of the judges/musicians and he is the one with the knighthood. At the present moment he is the headliner and Tess herself defers to him. I do watch the show, have done from the start..

I think I said in my first post about this, managing the time would be the challenge. But, at least he would be off autocue.

It's tough because I do like Bruce, yes it's obvious he reads of an auto-cue and yes the jokes are often more awkward than funny, but not bad enough to make me dislike him.

However there is a popular opinion that he's no longer good enough which the BBC may or may not agree with. Problem I feel the BBC has is if they fire him they could face the same ageist criticism they did when they brought in Alisha Dixon as a judge.

If he doesn't retire a restructure where he is given less to do but an equally important part as someone has suggested - doing only the link to the next couple could make it a little more funny and a little less awkward.

Oh no, not another anti-Bruce thread!!!

Oh well, I suppose when intolerance, prejudice and ageism have won and someone else has been put in his place, then you'll start on her/him in exactly the same way.

According to Wikipedia Bruce's great-great-great-great grandad gave his name to the shrub Forsythia, which brightens up British gardens with a golden glow just when it is needed at the end of winter - so I don't think you'll get rid of him, or his spirit, that easily! Ha ha ha!!!

(Waits for further sour comments and much reaching for ultra-sharpened secateurs.)

Oh no, not another poster accusing fellow FMs of ageism when it is nothing of the sort...

I actually think as a reasonable work around the idea that Bruce introduces the couples and Tess does the after dance Judges bit is eminently sensible. It gives the floor manager time to get Bruce in place to introduce the next couple whilst the previous couple have a short stint with Claudia. Plus Tess is immediately on hand to cover for any issues.

When you can find another presenter of prime time TV who is the same age as Bruce and FEMALE. The just maybe you can legitimately wield the agist argument.

Meanwhile I would suggest you re-read the Opening Post. As it quite clearly is NOT anti Bruce.

That's actually a pretty good idea Mona, it would minimise the rambling and Claudia is there anyway to do the Results show, so it's not like the BBC would have a problem there.

Hey, I suggested it first in the first post! Please give me some credit!

If Brucie finally leaves then what we will moan and complain about besides the contestants

Oh, I'm sure that you'll find something or someone ....

There is always the OTT clapping and cheering encouraged by the floor manager.

Yes,yes, yes

Sorry burbe, it had been some time since I read the first post but yes, great idea

And I was agreeing.

You just don't know that. We don't know whether the directors are screaming fill more, or stop now. Its possible they shout both. Its also arguable that Bruce's adlibs are important setting the tone - the judges would ften sound too negative without some encouragement or observations from Bruce. The bottom line is that the problem is insignificant - the show manages to run to its differing times perfectly well. Tess is perfectly capable of moving it on when that is needed and sorting out anything that gets distorted.

The problem is still there finding anyone better. The older male presenters are mostly less capable of live TV than Bruce is. Claudia's rambling would be a massive turn off. The younger male presenters are all not right in some way. And, although there's plenty of competent female presenters, they probably want to have one male and one female.

Hmm..

Who's the main one for obviously wasting time by going off script?

As for his bit of nonsense including all his catchphrases from his distant game shows, "setting the tone," check out the unguarded reaction of the "celebrity" on the left at 3.34 on the i>Player recording of last Saturday's show, caught briefly on camera.

That's exactly how I felt about it.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode...ies_11_Week_9/

As to his replacement, there's been enough suggestions and I wouldn't want to comment further on that.

If you want a different role for Bruce, just sack all four judges and replace them with one - Bruce. He already talks over them and gives his own judgment on each contestant.