Sir Bruce pulls out of Strictly show with flu

Sir Bruce last missed a show in 2009

Sir Bruce Forsyth has dropped out of hosting Saturday's Strictly Come Dancing after falling ill with flu.

The showbiz veteran, who fronts the show with Tess Daly, has hosted the series since it launched in 2004.

Sir Bruce, 85, last missed a programme because of illness in 2009. He will be replaced by Claudia Winkleman.

The BBC said: "Sir Bruce Forsyth has the flu and therefore isn't feeling well enough to present tomorrow's Strictly Come Dancing on BBC One.

"The show looks forward to his return next week."

Winkleman usually hosts the Sunday evening results show with Daly, and and has stood in for Sir Bruce in the past.

Saturday will see 15 celebrity couples, including Vanessa Feltz and Hairy Biker Dave Myers, take to the dance floor and face the public vote for the first time.

Model Abbey Clancy and new professional dancer Aljaz Skorjanec topped the leader board last week, scoring 32 points from the judges for their waltz. TV chef Myers and golfer Tony Jacklin were bottom of the table, with just 16 points each.

The points accrued last week will be carried over to this weekend, when one couple will leave the series.