BBC insiders have insisted that both Bruce Forsyth and Alesha Dixon will be back for next year’s series of Strictly Come Dancing, despite rumours to the contrary.

Many fans have blasted Bruce for being too old and doddery for the show, however bosses fear that if they let him go, the backlash would be worse than when they sacked Arlene Phillips.

An insider told The Sun: “Brucie is so linked with the show that bosses would never get rid of him.

“Despite some criticism from viewers that he is too old, there would be a huge backlash if he was sacked.

“No executive would want to be the one who got rid of Brucie.”

Len Goodman also said.

He said: “He’s an integral part of the show.

“He gets criticised because some of his jokes are corny but he’s got to entertain six to 80-year-olds.

“It’s difficult to think of someone else who could do that.”

Alesha Dixon is also believed to be returning next year, though she hasn’t yet formally signed on.

The insider added: “Both Brucie and Alesha will be back next year.

“Strictly wouldn’t be Strictly without Brucie. And bosses have already been talking to Alesha about a plan for next year.”