Bruce Forsyth's Strictly job is safe

Bruce Forsyth has been told his job presenting 'Strictly Come Dancing' is safe by the boss of BBC One.

Speculation had been growing the 83-year-old entertainer was set to be replaced on the show, with his co-host Tess Daly's husband Vernon Kay and John Barrowman the two big names being touted as his successor.

But the rumours have now been quashed by the channel's recently appointed new controller Danny Cohen who insists the "job is his" if Bruce wants to continue with it.

Danny said: "Bruce is a great entertainer and if he wants to keep doing 'Strictly...' the job is his. He is on holiday at the moment but when he gets back we will sit down and discuss things.

"All the speculation about other presenters is confusing, because we haven't approached anyone else. That is the truth. We will be speaking to Bruce when he gets back."

The 37-year-old boss also revealed he is planning to mark Bruce's upcoming 70th year in showbiz with a special programme in 2012 focusing on his phenomenal career - which began when he was just 14.

Danny added to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "Do you realise he has spent almost 70 years in showbusiness? The guy is incredible. Would we like to do a programme about that anniversary? Yes, for sure. I think the BBC did a show when he turned 80, but if we could possibly make something different and Bruce wanted to, we would love to discuss that with him as well."

If Bruce - who jetted off to Puerto Rico with his wife Wilnelia after winning a Special Recognition prize at the National Television Awards in January - signs his new 'Strictly...' deal it will be worth around £500,000.