Sir Bruce Forsyth will not host Strictly Come Dancing’s upcoming Christmas special for health reasons.
The BBC said that the 87-year old star has not yet made a full recovery following surgery on an abdominal aortic aneurysm last month.
Forsyth’s medical condition was discovered following extensive checks following a fall at his home in October.
The BBC1 special is due to be recorded next week, and will be aired on Christmas Day, and it has been decided that Forsyth is not up to the rigours of the filming schedule.
“The Strictly Christmas Special, which records next week, will be too early for Sir Bruce Forsyth to have made a full recovery from his recent operation,” said the BBC. “Due to the long studio hours, he is unable to host the show but will still play a part in the production.”
Forsyth will record a video message which will be played during the special.
Claudia Winkleman will take over the presenting duties alongside Tess Daly.
This year’s Christmas show has a star-studded lineup that features former winners model Abbey Clancy, McFly’s Harry Judd, Holby City’s Tom Chambers and war veteran Cassidy Little, who won the People’s Strictly for Comic Relief.
TV presenter Alison Hammond and radio presenter Lisa Snowdon, who finished in third place, make up the final two couples.
There will also be a special performance by Dame Shirley Bassey.
