Forsyth's Strictly ultimatum

Strictly Come Dancing's Bruce Forsyth has threatened to quit...

12:19 15 June 2010

Iconic light entertainment host Bruce Forsyth has reportedly given Strictly Come Dancing producers an ultimatum.

Forsyth wants to see bigger-name stars on the next series or he'll walk out, it has been revealed.

According to The Mirror, the 82-year-old TV veteran has insisted that he will not be part of this year's programme unless the bosses behind the dancing show manage to secure a far more impressive lineup of celebrity contestants.

Speculation that the reason behind this move is due to the ongoing BBC/ITV ratings war. The BBC's Strictly directly competes against ITV's The X Factor - last year the Simon Cowell produced talent show triumphed.

A Strictly source said: "We're desperate to hold on to Bruce but at the moment he wants to know who's going on the show before he makes the final decision. He's the figurehead and we're hoping to sort things out.

"Bruce wants what is best for the show and is adamant the celebrities must be even better than they were before."

A spokesman for Forsyth commented: "Discussions happen with Bruce every year. We are still in talks and a decision will be made soon."

Meanwhile, the BBC stated that they "fully hope and expect" the host's return.