As is so often the case, another thoughtful and sensible post from you DR.

He said he was leaving cause " Iam running out of new jokes to come of with" Has there been any new ones?

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27020170

This. ^

Can't tell if you are serious or not but I don't think he would be a bad choice at all - surprised he has not been mentioned more often. Have heard some comments recently though that he does not look too well so health notwithstanding I'd even go as far as to say he would be on my short list.

Assuming that a camp man would be suitable, I'd love it to be Julian Clarey.

If that is the criteria then I give you none other than Angela Rippon - I realise she is not young but she is not old either but always found her very likeable and knows dancing. Doubt she'd get it though - or would accept if offered!
Really don't want Graham Norton - fine on his chat show but like Bruce, could make it all about him.

Well he is an experienced BBC host, of quiz shows though, but I wouldn't rule him out nor would I disappointed if he were to take over.

What were the 'moments?' I thought he was dreadful all the way through and it must have been a nightmare for the producers

'can do the job' is not enough. I don't dislike Claudia but think she does her best work in small intimate situations with one-to-ones. The glitz and glamour of SCD is just not her. I think the BBC should get a completely new team and give the show a breath of fresh air.

[Gethin and Matt are both completely and utterly wet. Has anybody forgotten Matt and the Jubille Pageant?

He marked his card on a Live show many years ago, so very unlikely to be allowed to host Strictly.
Unfortunately the likes of Garry Bushell and the DM have long memories.

Fresh air?

We get "fresh" competitors each year.

It's what the show's about not who is "in your face" between them.
Claudia and Tess managed three shows on their own, coped well and the ratings improved, or did you miss those weeks?
They'll do and it'll save the licence payers' having to shell out for another high profile name.

Each year the producers come up with "fresh stuff" they say is to improve the show, but the added hype makes it more like the X-Factor.
Time to get rid of the "add-ons" and concentrate on dance and training footage.

Is there any way we can get you onto the Board of the BBC Trust, so you can grab the producers by the short and curlies and get them to see sense ???

Years ago when Jonathan Ross took over the Film programme from Barry Norman, there was a lot of press hoo-haa.
The only response from the BBC (or it may have been Ross himself) was that they screen tested several candidates, and he was the best.

The replacement for Bruce will be decided the same way.
If Tess stays as well, then they will do screen tests with her and the prospective candidates, and the best one will get the job. End of.
I would imagine a decision like this will go "high up" the BBC for final approval.

Maybe DS wombles with connections at Elstree might be able to find out who is being screen tested.

Suppose you are right.

He did win CBB though.

Agree - Personally I think he would be good - but the unfortunate history rules him out

My biggest concern (well... that's an overstatement..it's just a telly programme) is that the BBC will think that another high profile "name" will increase the ratings. After all, that always seems to be their main concern and ("the ruination of TV").

In which case the opportunity, to lose some of the "hype" and get the show back to when I thought it more enjoyable a few years ago, will be lost.

It's not 1998 anymore.



He hosted a live Lottery show on primetime BBC ONE in 2005, it really isn't an issue.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/comeandhaveago/about.shtml