Bruce, 82, has verbally agreed a deal with the BBC to present the show this year and his wife, known as Winnie, has revealed she is keen to hit the dancefloor as a contestant.

Puerto Rican former Miss World Winnie, 50, said: "Being Latin, dancing is in my blood, so I'd love it. I'd have to give Bruce earplugs in case the judges say something horrible, though."

On talks over a new presenting deal, Bruce said: "Negotiations with the BBC have begun, they are going very well and things are looking good." The veteran will also appear on a Cutting Edge documentary on Channel 4 called Living With Brucie next Wednesday followed by an appearance on BBC1's Who Do You Think You Are? in a few weeks.