Sir Bruce Forsyth to miss Strictly Christmas special after keyhole surgery

Sir Bruce Forsyth has been forced to pull out of hosting the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special after undergoing keyhole surgery.

The veteran presenter is still in recovery after the procedure to treat an abdominal aortic aneurysm in mid-November.

In a statement, the BBC said it is "too early" for Sir Bruce to host the show but that he will still play a part in the production.

Claudia Winkleman will host alongside Tess Daly instead, the broadcaster confirmed.

Sir Bruce, 87, quit as Strictly's presenter in April 2014, but has returned for special episodes since.

He was last seen taking the helm of the dancing competition on BBC's Children In Need on November 13.