Bruce Forsyth gives Vernon Kay Strictly blessing

Bruce Forsyth has given Vernon Kay his blessing to take over as 'Strictly Come Dancing' presenter.

The 82-year-old TV veteran - who currently co-hosts the BBC One show alongside Vernon's wife Tess Daly - thinks while the 'All-Star Family Fortunes' frontman would do a "very good job" as his replacement, he would love Hollywood hunk Brad Pitt to assume the role.

He explained: "I always say Vernon could do a very good job. He would be good. I said that five years ago. There have been people bandied around for the past five or six years.

"Brad Pitt could take my place. It's so obvious."

Bruce - who joked while receiving the Special Recognition Award at Wednesday night's (26.01.11) National Television Awards that now would be the "perfect time" to announce his retirement - admitted he is still considering appearing on the next series of 'Strictly'.

He added to the Daily Express newspaper: "At the end of March, beginning of April we will have talks about 'Strictly' again. But after tonight it is very, very difficult when you see all those clips of things I've done - not in a big-headed way - it gives you a feeling of why not? So at the moment, why not?"

Bruce has already cut down his hours on the celebrity dance contest, handing over the reins to Claudia Winkleman for the Sunday night results show.

Meanwhile, Vernon is believed to be reluctant to sign a new deal with ITV1's 'All-Star Family Fortunes' amid rumours Bruce could be on the verge of quitting 'Strictly'.