Sir Bruce Forsyth will NOT return to ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ for this year’s Children In Need special.
The BBC has confirmed Claudia Winkleman will host the charity edition of the ballroom show with Tess Daly, after the new line-up was revealed on Tuesday’s (25 October) ‘It Takes Two’.
The news comes amid reports Sir Bruce has retired from the spotlight, as he struggles to recover from an operation he underwent last year.
Despite quitting as the main host of ‘Strictly’ following the 2013 series, the veteran entertainer agreed he would still return to host the annual Children In Need and Christmas editions each year to maintain a role on the programme.
However, he pulled out of fronting last year’s Christmas show after undergoing keyhole sugery on an abdominal aortic aneurysm, but still featured in a video message with his new grandson.
Bruce was last seen hosting ‘Strictly’ alongside Tess during last year’s Children In Need special, which featured the contestants of ‘Call The Midwife’.
A recent report claimed he would be unlikely to make another TV appearance again due to his ill health.
A source told MailOnline: “He’s still very much recuperating and he needs to work out if he wants to be back in the public eye again.”
HuffPost has contacted a ‘Strictly’ spokesperson for comment.
This year’s Children In Need special will see four Team GB Olympic medallists take to the dancefloor.
The world’s number one female rower Helen Glover, who has won two Olympic golds, will be taking part, as will British field hockey player Hollie Webb.
Gold medal winning British slalom canoeist Joe Clarke will also be betting his dancing shoes on, as will British taekwondo athlete Lutalo Muhammad, who won silver at the Rio games.
Helen will dance with Pasha Kovalev, Hollie will be partnered with Neil Jones, Joe will pair up with Janette Manrara, while Lutalo will be dancing with Karen Clifton.
The ‘Strictly’ Children In Need special airs as part of the charity’s telethon on Friday 18 November.