Bruce Forsyth will not be hosting Strictly Come Dancing this weekend after being struck down with the flu.

Struck down: Bruce Forsyth with Tess Daly

It will be the first time that the veteran TV presenter, 81, has missed hosting the celebrity dance show in five series. BBC bosses are said to be desperately trying to find someone to replace him to co-host the show with Tess Daly on Saturday evening.

A corporation spokeswoman said: “Unfortunately, due to a bout of the flu and on doctor's orders, Bruce will be unable to host Strictly Come Dancing this Saturday. But Tess Daly will be stepping into his presenting shoes.”

The spokeswoman added that Forsyth's doctor did not think he had contracted swine flu.

Forsyth is being cared for by his wife Wilnelia at their home in Virginia Water, Surrey, but there are fears his age could prevent him from recovering quickly.

He recently admitted he had to spend Sundays in bed to recover from the two-hour Strictly Come Dancing live show the night before. He said: “I can't stay asleep because the adrenaline of doing a live show is still pumping round my body.”

Bruce's manager Ian Wilson said: “The doctor advised him to get some rest and get better properly so he is fit enough to do the rest of the series. I will be gobsmacked if he is not back on full form presenting Strictly next week.”