Craig Kelly defends "legend" Forsyth

Strictly Come Dancing star Craig Kelly has refuted claims that Bruce Forsyth is too old to present the show.

The actor revealed that he disagrees with comedian Justin Lee Collins, who recently called for the 81-year-old to stand down from the BBC One ballroom programme.

Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, he insisted: "[It's] absolute rubbish. Bruce is a legend. He's still sharp and he makes me laugh. I don't think you could do this show without Bruce."

Kelly, who is best known for his role as Coronation Street's Luke Strong, has so far only performed in an unmarked group dance on the contest.

Reflecting on how he fared, he commented: "I had half the rehearsal time of anybody else because I was filming my last scenes in Corrie. And then suddenly on the day of the live show, I finally nailed the steps and the moves. Thank goodness I didn't put a foot wrong.
  
"The adrenaline I got from going out on that stage was like nothing else. I actually enjoyed it but it was like being thrown out of an aeroplane and not knowing if your parachute is going to open - an out of body experience."

Kelly is paired with professional dancer Flavia Cacace on the series.