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John Sergeant has sensationally pulled out of Strictly Come Dancing.
In a statement released today, he said: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing.
"It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible. The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition. Even for me that would be a joke too far."
John has received strong support from the public despite being criticised by the judges each week over his performances.
The phone vote has seen him sail through to the next rounds, while the better dancers have faced the dance-off and axe from the show.
Strictly judge Arlene Phillips said of his departure: "I'm always sad if a contestant leaves of choice, because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out - but John is his own person and he has his own reasons for doing this.
However, she denied that the judges were responsible and said: "If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme."
Cherie Lunghi, who was voted off the show on Sunday night, admitted that the show was becoming more like a soap opera.
She said: "It is almost like there are two shows going on. John is dancing and competing, but there is this whole soap thing and sympathy for the character."
Following John's statement today, BBC One controller Jay Hunt said: "We are very sad to see him go."
Do you think John is right to quit Strictly? Let us know what you think...
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What a shame John Sergeant felt he had to step down. I would have loved to see him win it! The most entertaining thing so far has been the sight of the "experts" going apopleptic at being consistently outvoted by the punters. Irrespective of talent or merit, there can be no complaint if you invite people to vote by making expensive, revenue-generating phone calls, even if you don't like the results!! If you live by the sword, guys......!
Posted by: tertonmike on Wed Nov 19 12:22PM | Report abuseI think it is very sad that John decided to leave! I thought he was made of sterner stuff. I know it is a competition, but dancing should be about enjoying yourself, which John was doing and I think a lot of people enjoyed watching him. Come back John
Posted by: gerrio67 on Wed Nov 19 12:22PM | Report abuseWell done John. You done the decent thing. You may not be the best dancer in the world, but you are a gentleman.
Posted by: stephenjohnhunt on Wed Nov 19 12:22PM | Report abuseI THINK HE PROBABLY HAS DONE THE RIGHT THING AS THE PROGRAMME IS A DANCE COMPETITION AND NOT A POPULARITY CONTEST. HOWEVER PERHAPS THE JUDGES SHOULD THINK TWICE BEFORE THEY MAKE SPITEFUL COMMENTS, IF THE CELEBRITY IS AS POPULAR AS JOHN SERGEANT IT IS A NATURAL BRITISH REACTION TO JUMP TO THEIR DEFENCE AND VOTE ACCORDINGLY.
Posted by: annewherrett on Wed Nov 19 12:22PM | Report abuseWhat a shame.
Posted by: peterben on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abuseSurley this show is for amature dancers of which john is. How could the judges expect him to be on par with actors and models who have already had some form of dance training. Im backing john all the way he represents more of the general publics dance ability them the others.
Posted by: draydm2002 on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abuseHi did the decent thing. He was rubbish knew it and better dancers have been thrown out of the show. The format needs to be changed. To many morons are giving sympathy votes and keeping the likes of John in the frame. He has even has admitted it in a way. Good on him, he can't dance but has gone up in my estimation by this decision.
Posted by: mike_s_burton on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abusesack the judges!!!! bring back jonny sarge------------- the judges all think they are bigger stars , WELL THEY ARE NOT!
Posted by: batemansa on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abuseJohn is a lovely man but I think he's done the right thing. After all it is a dance competition.
Posted by: pat_currie44 on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abuseHI. Yes he should quit, because it's a joke that the better dancer have gone out,it's just not fear that he stays in. Maureen.
Posted by: maureenjoan1 on Wed Nov 19 12:23PM | Report abuse