Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth revealed his biggest kick after showing the red card – he will be able to get home for Match Of The Day.

And he admitted quitting the extra programme was the “main reason” he decided not to quit the series entirely.

Mr Forsyth said reducing his working hours will make an “enormous difference” to how he feels about sticking with the show.

The 82-year-old struggled with the demanding hours of the show, he admitted.

“It’s a long day,” he said. “It is a 12-hour show and I don’t know any other TV presenters who do a programme like Strictly.”

He said the BBC suggested he dropped the results programme – which will this year revert to being screened on a Sunday – in an effort to make things easier.

“I thought immediately ‘my goodness yes, it will make a difference’. It means I will finish about 9 p.m., get home in time for Match Of The Day and it turns my 12-hour day into a 10-hour day which is much more manageable.”

He said he is continually asked whether this will be his final series. “After negotiations this year this idea from the BBC of not doing the results programme is the main reason that made me return to Strictly.”