Veteran entertainer Bruce Forsyth has turned down hosting a second series of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, triggering speculation that he's about to retire.
The celebrity dancing show - midway through its current run - has been a surprise ratings hit on Saturday nights, and execs are keen to follow it up with a second installment as soon as possible.
Forsyth, 76, has declined to come back next time round, however, because doing the show has left him "exhausted."
He has also been approached about a one-off Christmas special but has yet to give an answer.
"Bruce has admitted he's been struggling. He's had problems with the Autocue and he told senior members of the production unit that he will not be making another show," a source told the Mail On Sunday.
"The BBC is keen to cash in on the success of Strictly Come Dancing. Although it's only halfway through, it has been a huge hit and they are already talking about another series as well as a Christmas special.
"Bruce is still undecided about whether he'll host the Christmas special. At the moment it's at a very informal stage, but they approached Bruce to see if he would come on board. He made it clear he is not interested in making another series."
Ratings for the programme - an offshoot of the long-running Come Dancing - peaked a fortnight ago with 7.4 million viewers.
The celebrity dancing show - midway through its current run - has been a surprise ratings hit on Saturday nights, and execs are keen to follow it up with a second installment as soon as possible.
Forsyth, 76, has declined to come back next time round, however, because doing the show has left him "exhausted."
He has also been approached about a one-off Christmas special but has yet to give an answer.
"Bruce has admitted he's been struggling. He's had problems with the Autocue and he told senior members of the production unit that he will not be making another show," a source told the Mail On Sunday.
"The BBC is keen to cash in on the success of Strictly Come Dancing. Although it's only halfway through, it has been a huge hit and they are already talking about another series as well as a Christmas special.
"Bruce is still undecided about whether he'll host the Christmas special. At the moment it's at a very informal stage, but they approached Bruce to see if he would come on board. He made it clear he is not interested in making another series."
Ratings for the programme - an offshoot of the long-running Come Dancing - peaked a fortnight ago with 7.4 million viewers.
