Bruce Forsyth 'too ill' and WILL NOT appear on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
FANS of Strictly Come Dancing will be heartbroken to hear the show's former popular presenter Sir Bruce Forsyth will not be appearing in this year's Christmas special.
Bruce Forsyth WILL NOT appear on Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special
Bruce Forsyth records Christmas message for Strictly Come Dancing audience
The 88-year-old's health has meant that he will not be making a special appearance and has not even recorded a video message as he did last year.
He had been set to present the festive special but last month it was reported that he was not well enough to return to host.
Last year, Sir Bruce recorded a special message for viewers in which he could be seen holding his three week old granddaughter.
But according to reports, no video was shown to the audience during the filming for the Christmas special on Monday.
Last year Bruce recorded a message with his three week-old granddaughter
Bruce was reportedly determined to return to TV for the festive special
He needs a bit of peace and quiet to get on with getting better
The BBC confirmed to Mirror Online has not been recorded, with a source close to the star explained: "Last year the Strictly message was recorded in December, there are no plans to do one this year.
"It doesn't seem right at this point. He needs a bit of peace and quiet to get on with getting better.
"How long that will take we don't know, but he is still having great conversations, and is working with a physio. People need to remember he is 89 in February."
Earlier this year, it was reported that Sir Bruce was determined to return to television screens by the end of the year.
Sir Bruce previously hosted the Christmas special alongside Tess Daly
The presenter was hoping to return to full strength for the Christmas show
Source said that following an operation for two aneurysms, keeping up the tradition of appearing on the Strictly Christmas special was acting as goal for his recovery.
"Strictly is really special for him, so that's Bruce's target – it'll help him push on to get back to full strength," insiders revealed.
"He's been resting, but it was major surgery and it hasn't been as easy as people might have hoped – but he's a very determined man."