'Strictly Come Dancing' back in October

The BBC is rushing out a second series of its surprise Saturday night hit Strictly Come Dancing in time for this autumn, according to heat this week.

The first series was a massive ratings success when it ran over eight weeks earlier this year, reaching a peak of almost 10 million viewers for its finale.

The next run will begin in October, allowing it to climax with a big finale at Christmas.

The magazine reports that Bruce Forsyth has signed on to be the main presenter once again, despite recent speculation that he was planning to retire from television. Brucie's pregnant co-star Tess Daly may not be back, however: one possible replacement is newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky, winner of the first series.

Also not returning next time round is BBC Three's Justin Lee Collins, after bosses took the decision not to recommission his daily companion show.

Rumoured contestants include Zoe Lucker, Martine McCutcheon, Paul O'Grady and Nancy Dell'Olio.