Friday, 4 April 2014
Bruce Forsyth: who can replace Mr Saturday Night?
Bruce Forsyth is standing down from presenting Strictly Come Dancing but who is up to the challenge of replacing him, asks Michael Hogan
The end of a twinkle-toed era was signalled by Friday afternoon’s announcement
that after 10 years and 11 series, Sir
Bruce Forsyth is stepping down from the Strictly
Come Dancing live shows. His retirement leaves a gaping hole in the
BBC’s ballroom but who will fill it?
With Forsyth now aged 86 and seeming increasingly frail – he missed three out
of 13 shows last year, between pre-arranged rest weeks and unplanned
absences through illness – it’s become an annual sport to speculate on when
the old stager might hang up his dancing shoes. Indeed, Forsyth recently
admitted he was growing tired of the constant retirement rumours, snapping:
“If somebody kept saying to you ‘when are you going to retire?’ wouldn’t it
drive you mad?”
It’s the right time for the amply-chinned veteran to go. His presenting has
been increasingly erratic over the past few years. We’ve become used to him
fluffing the punchlines to his gags and his doddery stumbles have become
embarrassing, notably when he called judge Darcey
Bussell “Dave” during the last series.
However, Forsyth's sheer showbiz stature and cross-generational appeal should
not be underestimated. The Guinness Book Of Records recognised him as having
the longest TV
career for a male entertainer. Forsyth is an old-fashioned, all-singing,
all-dancing, all-joking Mr Saturday Night. Strictly will miss his
reassuringly familiar presence, in the process losing both gravitas and
razzamatazz. The BBC has acknowledged this by retaining his services for the
Strictly Christmas special, Children In Need special and other one-offs yet
to be announced.
Long-serving professional dancer Anton Du Beke has been tipped for a presenting role and is already installed as bookies favourite. Du Beke possesses Forsyth’s retro charm and even his jawline, but is a rookie presenter wise on such a high-profile show?
With co-presenter Tess Daly still in place, there’s been speculation that her husband, Vernon Kay, could move over from ITV to partner her. However, Kay feels too cheesy and bland for such a big franchise. Other names in the frame include showman John Barrowman, former Strictly finalist Gethin Jones, well-loved Scouse wag Paul O’Grady and even Ronnie Corbett, who’s filled in for Forsyth before.
READ: Bruce Forsyth is philosophical about Strictly
We’ve got a sneaking suspicion that comedian-turned-chat show host Graham Norton, one of the Corporation’s top talents, might fancy the job. The BBC also want their money’s worth from his £2.6m pay packet. Norton would work well alongside the popular Claudia Winkleman, who could be promoted from her current role on the Sunday Results Show and as Forsyth’s stand-in.
Whoever gets the coveted glitterball gig, autumn’s 12th series of Strictly promises to be one of the most intriguing yet. Forsyth might be taking off his bow tie but the show must go on. Keeeeeeep dancing.
OPINION: Strictly's
all over when Sir Bruce Forsyth retires, says Anton Du Beke
Speculation now inevitably turns to his replacement. This is a huge casting
decision for the BBC, up there with the identity of the next Doctor
Who. Strictly Come Dancing is one of their flagship programmes and
has trounced arch ratings rival The
X Factor in recent years. With svengali Simon Cowell and Cheryl
Cole returning to the ITV singing contest this autumn, the BBC won’t
want Strictly to lose momentum.
Long-serving professional dancer Anton Du Beke has been tipped for a presenting role and is already installed as bookies favourite. Du Beke possesses Forsyth’s retro charm and even his jawline, but is a rookie presenter wise on such a high-profile show?
With co-presenter Tess Daly still in place, there’s been speculation that her husband, Vernon Kay, could move over from ITV to partner her. However, Kay feels too cheesy and bland for such a big franchise. Other names in the frame include showman John Barrowman, former Strictly finalist Gethin Jones, well-loved Scouse wag Paul O’Grady and even Ronnie Corbett, who’s filled in for Forsyth before.
READ: Bruce Forsyth is philosophical about Strictly
We’ve got a sneaking suspicion that comedian-turned-chat show host Graham Norton, one of the Corporation’s top talents, might fancy the job. The BBC also want their money’s worth from his £2.6m pay packet. Norton would work well alongside the popular Claudia Winkleman, who could be promoted from her current role on the Sunday Results Show and as Forsyth’s stand-in.
Whoever gets the coveted glitterball gig, autumn’s 12th series of Strictly promises to be one of the most intriguing yet. Forsyth might be taking off his bow tie but the show must go on. Keeeeeeep dancing.
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