Sir Bruce Forsyth has ended speculation by signing up for the next series of Strictly Come Dancing.
However the veteran host – back for an eleventh series later this year – is to up his number of absences and will miss three of the live Saturday shows for BBC1.
Each year there is much speculation that the star, aged 85, may step away from the show. He recently set tongues wagging when he suggested he would prefer to spend more time in a warmer climate, leading many to wonder whether he may not want to spend another autumn working on the show.
But the BBC announced today that he will return once again alongside Tess Daly when the show starts in September. The busy schedule means he will step back from three of the shows, rather than the usual one show which he has missed for recent series.
Claudia Winkleman – who co-hosts the Sunday results show with Daly – will again take his place.
Sir Bruce said: “After all the normal speculation, I’m doing it again, why not? But seriously, here’s hoping for another spectacular series.”
Mark Linsey, controller of entertainment commissioning said: “I’m delighted Bruce is back. He’s the life and soul of the Strictly party so it’s great news that we’ve managed to come up with a schedule that works for him and the show. Roll on September.”