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Monday, Mon, 3 FebruaryFeb 2025
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Nice to see him

This is what I like about Strictly Come Dancing, series six: the show's host, the fabulous Sir Bruce Joseph Forsyth-Johnson, Kt CBE, began his television career before World War 2.

Let me say that again: before World War 2.

Who knew they had television back then?

Series six of a show that has clearly already survived five previous series begins tomorrow, and is a wonderful chance to see men shamelessly wearing skintight purple shirts, ladies shamelessly wearing skintight outfits with plummeting necklines, and a clutch of C-grade celebrities having dancing dramas all over the place.

All that, and Bruce Forsyth too.

The 83-year-old veteran game show host, and host of almost everything else, is more than just a legend and an icon.

He is a consummate professional.

"It's nice to see you, to see you ... nice," he calls, with the audience loudly joining in on the last word.

"You look lovely, all of you, all of them," he cries to his co-host, the leggy Tess Daly.

This is champagne television.

Mr Forsyth also tells jokes.

"I asked Gordon Brown to join in, but he said he was busy being prime minister," he tells his adoring audience.

"I said don't worry, it doesn't start till next week."

Dated political humour - boom tish!I don't know why, but I have actually watched Strictly Come Dancing in the past, and despite my complete lack of interest in game shows, dancing, reality television and skintight purple shirts for men, I sort of enjoyed it.

Maybe it's all about Bruce.

In 2005, I'm sure most of you stopped for at least a moment to mark his 60 years in show business, and shared the joy when a bronze bust of the man was unveiled at the London Palladium.

His honours include an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) gong in 1998, and Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2006.

Possibly best of all, in 1987, an honorary society was set up, called The Great Bruce Forsyth Social Club.

Series six of Strictly stars famous celebrities such as Jessie Wallace, Don Phil Daniels, Gary Rhodes and Christie Bleakley, as they waltz and spin their way to being dumped for their troubles, or, for one lucky couple, winning, and going on to a life of glory, fame and fortune.

Who, you ask?

I think most of them are in television, (I understand Jessie Wallace is in EastEnders) but there is one name you will know: Austin Healey. He used to be a car.

Anyway, Strictly Come Dancing is huge, it is on UKTV at 7.30pm tomorrow, and it has more glitz, glamour, sequins and stardom than you could ever ask for.

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