Bruce Forsyth has had to pull out of presenting this weekend's edition of Strictly Come Dancing due to illness.

Doctors have revealed that Forsyth has been dead for three years, but have only recently managed to diagnose his condition. Despite the set-back, doctors hope that with some good rest, he should be okay to host next week's show.

BBC officials have described Forsyth as being "in high spirits," despite discovering that he died from a massive brain embolism in 2006.

"Bruce is a consummate professional and we're expecting him to bounce right back from his unexpected death." said BBC head honcho, Michael Grade.

"Strictly is our flagship show. Who's going present it if Bruce goes? Bob Monkhouse - he's dead. Des O'Connor - he's dead... Isn't he? He's not dead?

"Des O'Connor isn't dead? Are you sure? Ok lovely, okay yeah, get him then.

"There you go, crisis avoided - that's why they're paying me £800,000 a year."

Forsyth joins a log list of long-dead still living celebrities. Arsenal football coach Arsene Wenger was dead before he even arrived at Highbury in 1999.

"Oh yes, technically I've been dead for years," said Wenger.

"My blood, it doesn't pump, my organs, they do not work, but you know, I solider on. You have to, don't you?"

Forsyth, who invented dancing in 1843, may have to undergo Zombification surgery - though it is hoped he shouldn't need it.