Vernon Kay is said to be “desperate” to replace Bruce Forsyth on this year’s ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ series.

The 36-year-old TV presenter – whose wife Tess Daly fronts the BBC One show alongside the veteran host – has reportedly refused to sign a new deal with ITV1’s ‘All-Star Family Fortunes’ after hearing rumours that Bruce, 82, could be on the verge of quitting ‘Strictly’.

An insider explained: “Vernon is desperate to get the ‘Strictly’ job – and the BBC are very keen on him taking it.”

Bruce has already cut down his hours on the celebrity dancing series, handing over the reins on the Sunday night results show to Claudia Winkleman, who also presents ‘Strictly’s weekday spin-off ‘It Takes Two’.

The source added to The Sun newspaper: “Bruce is his idol but everyone knows he may be off soon. Producers keep expecting the call from him any day to say he’s had enough.

“So Vern turned down another exclusive deal from ITV as that would have taken him out of the game if Brucie retires. He’ll still do ‘Family Fortunes’ but they’ll just pay him a fee for every show he does.”