While that would make sense - we know he has chemistry with Tess Daly because they're married - isn't he on a golden handcuffs deal at ITV?
He presents American Football on Channel 4 these days, but it might only be light entertainment that's covered in such a deal. Either way I doubt he's still locked to ITV and if he is, the deal could easily be due to end.
If we're after another veteran to take over from Bruce how about...
Ronnie Corbett? (He filled in for Bruce once when he was sick)
Terry Wogan?
Des O' Connor?
Ken Bruce?
I'd hazard a guess and suspect that the show will have a fairly limited shelf life without Bruce as I'm suspecting it will become just another dance show. Therefore they'll have to try and find someone with an ounce of charisma, or they'll go with Claudia.
I reckon Angela Rippon would tick a lot of boxes - a competent presenter, a link to the show's past, and also an older woman would appease that "there aren't any older women on the BBC" brigade despite the fact that there blatantly are.
My bet is Anton du Beke - I'm neither saying it's my choice or ideal candidate but I would put money on him.
The BBC have clearly given up on trying to turn Anton du Beke into a presenter, he'd have done more stuff since Hole in the Wall if they had him in mind to replace Brucie.
The show already has three presenters (over the two days), would the format/scripts really need tweaking by that much to ensure each show was hosted by three presenters?
If they were to promote Claudia to both days and keep Tess, adding a third name (I like the idea of Terry Wogan actually, or how about Stephen Fry?) would lessen the pressure of them 'failing' to live up to Bruce's success. Claudia and Tess work well, have good chemistry and are very familiar to audiences, so the risks of a new face would immediately be lowered, and any potential new segments (from talking to live audience members to a post-scores lesson from one of the judges or something) might allow the show to remain fresh and avoid stagnation?
One more name. Just for fun. It would be really fun. Dara O'Brien. You know it would be.
My bet is Anton du Beke - I'm neither saying it's my choice or ideal candidate but I would put money on him.
The BBC have clearly given up on trying to turn Anton du Beke into a presenter, he'd have done more stuff since Hole in the Wall if they had him in mind to replace Brucie.
Thank god. That would be a disaster.
I just can't see beyond Claudia Winkleman - after all in recent years she's presented over half of the shows anyway, with every result show bar the final plus 2 or 3 Saturday shows too. The BBC have got the audience used to her co-presenting with Claudia and ratings didn't dip at all on the weeks Brucie took Saturdays off. They're not going to throw that away, especially considering the **** they'd face if they give what is effectively her job to a man.
I heard rumblings a while back that Tess would be ditched whenever Bruce announced his retirement from the show. I hope that's the case, she's very poor and I can't imagine she'll get much TV work when she does eventually finish Strictly. Does she do anything other than that and Children in Need?
Despite his age, Bruce clearly hasn't retired easily. Wouldn't be surprised if he's had a hand in who takes over from him to be honest. Or if he hasn't I'm sure he'll kick up a fuss if it's the wrong choice of presenter...
imo.