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The BBC have confirmed that Sir Bruce Forsyth will not be hosting this year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special.
The legendary presenter underwent keyhole surgery in November for a procedure on an abdominal aortic aneurysm, and has not yet fully recovered from the operation.
A statement from the BBC reads as follows: “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. Due to the long studio hours, he is unable to host the show but will still play a part in the production.
“Sir Bruce will record a special video message for this year's celebrity line-up and the viewers at home, which will play out when the Strictly Christmas Special airs on BBC One on Christmas Day at 6:15pm.
“Claudia Winkleman will take over the presenting duties alongside Tess Daly.”
It was recently confirmed that the Christmas Special will see 2013 winner Abbey Clancey, 2011 winner Harry Judd, and 2008 winner Tom Chambers taking part.
Also joining the special are Lisa Snowdon, who was a finalist on the show in 2008, Alison Hammond, who took part in the 2014 series, and Cassidy Little who became the first People’s Strictly Champion for Comic Relief earlier this year.
ArticleBruce Forsyth will not present the Strictly Christmas SpecialStrictly Come DancingBBC OneSir Bruce Forsyth
The legendary presenter was going to return to the show for the festive one-off
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