Strictly fans say Brucie's had his day

STRICTLY Come Dancing fans last night called for legendary TV host Bruce Forsyth to stand down from presenting the struggling BBC show.

Hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly Hosts Bruce Forsyth and Tess Daly

Hundreds of viewers jammed its website calling for Brucie to resign after flu forced him to miss Saturday’s programme. It was the first time in Strictly’s five-year history that Forsyth had missed a show.

Many said the programme was better without him and gave rave reviews to his co-host Tess Daly and presenter Claudia Winkleman who fronted Saturday’s edition with surprise guest Ronnie Corbett.

Now there are fears the BBC will axe Forsyth, 81, and replace him with someone younger.

The corporation came under fire earlier this year for replacing respected Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, 66, with “clueless” singer Alesha Dixon, 31.

But last night fans were in favour of giving Brucie the boot as he was labelled “corny” and “old-fashioned”.

“I totally agree Bruce should retire,” viewer David Martin wrote on the show’s official message board yesterday. “Last night’s show brought it more towards the younger generation, the girls Tess and Claudia did extremely well – much more funkier and bright.”

Another message posted by ‘grannygrump’ said: “I totally agree that Bruce has had his day. Perhaps this may be one of the reasons X Factor is romping ahead in the ratings?!

“I cringe when he makes those predictable, embarrassing jokes.”

On Saturday’s show, Winkleman, who presents Strictly spin-off It Takes Two, took over Daly’s role while she stood in for Forsyth. The programme was hit by a series of disasters after injuries left two contestants in tears.

Athlete Jade Johnson broke down after a knee injury forced her to pull out of Saturday’s show. And Footballers’ Wives star Laila Rouass had to abandon her routine halfway through due to an ankle injury.

But in the end, former England cricketer Phil Tufnell was booted off following a dance-off with EastEnders star Ricky Groves. “I have enjoyed myself immensely,” said Tufnell.

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