Yes ad-lib is where Bruce truly excels, along with working an audience (which he does better than anyone I've ever witnessed). In Palladium and Generation Game he had lots of chances to do both.

I read that Brucie finds SCD much harder than his previous shows because, in this format, he doesn't ad-lib much; it's all reheared autocue work. And nor can he work with the audience much in the actual TV show (though people on this forum, who have been to see the show, have reported that he does engage with the audience a lot before it goes live, and to great effect). Given this, it's a tribute to him that he has been able to adapt so brilliantly,even though he is in his late seventies. A true professional indeed!

Don't know about quick witted but he is a much better dancer than Tess. I'm always a bit about that, considering the difference in their ages.

He is annoying though. I think Vernon Kay would be absolutely brilliant as a replacement, trouble is that we'd be stuck with Tess then. She really needs to go, she's awful. Her clumsy interviewing of Matt, after he'd messed up his quarter final dances, was beyond cringey - "so you let Flavia down tonight but she's forgiven you, let's see if the public do the same"

But Vernon Kay has no talent. Plus he is very annoying.

Brucie's an institution, wonderfully spry for 80!

Does anyone know why he hasn't received the usual knighthood or peerage yet? Did he turn one down? When's it going to be "arise, Sir Bruce"??

Ooops, I thought for a moment there you disliked him! Really must get my eyes checked!

Does it have to be someone who is already established?
There must be young (or youngish) talented people who are yet to be discovered.

I think he is quick witted but not nearly as quick as he used to be. Brucie was the inspiration for many of the top wits of today, such as Jonathan Ross and Paul Merton but now that's he is ageing he relies more on his charm I think than his wit. Fortunately his charm was always another one of his great strengths.

I can't believe the snide bitchiness on here regarding Bruce Bruce still has more to offer than 99% of so called younger presenters around today. Perhaps you're all basing your opinions on the Phwoarrrr factor.
Grow up

Why young? What's the obsession with youth? How about being obsessed with ability for a change?


And yet, the ratings keep soaring upwards. Please, could you explain this?

Definitely! Even Bruce at his worst is better than most young presenters at their best.

And why the heck should we be looking at a young presenter anyway??????????? If you're going for someone go for a person who is appropriate regardless of age.