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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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All respect to him as he is clearly not an accomplished dancer and his continuing presence is causing better dancers to leave. I feel rather sad for him that the jokers who kept voting for him have made him the subject of so much ill-feeling from the judges and others on and off the show.
Posted by: pmh12855 on Wed Nov 19 12:17PM | Report abuseOD
Posted by: sandywozere55 on Wed Nov 19 12:17PM | Report abuseThat sucks! but also pretty good.... im torn! But i think he did the right thing. Well done john, he should be knighted for all the crap he's been through
Posted by: littlebrainco on Wed Nov 19 12:17PM | Report abuseDon't know, not been watching, but if the public voted for him then why not stay. After all it's a public voting system, if the show participants don't like it, then don't go on the show. It's like saying, the labour party got voted in by popular demand, but we don't like that result can we change it.. Go figure.
Posted by: redimaster on Wed Nov 19 12:17PM | Report abuseVery well done John, a noble gesture and a dignified way to leave. top man.
Posted by: ceri2k on Wed Nov 19 12:17PM | Report abuseBest thing that could have happened the who show has become a joke. I really love this show but have lost heart with whats going on.
Posted by: jacquifoulkes on Wed Nov 19 12:18PM | Report abuseI'm glad he's quit, he looks too much like Jo Brand for my liking!!!
Posted by: brooksie6870 on Wed Nov 19 12:18PM | Report abuseUnfortunately, at least one show too late. At least he has at last done the honourable thing.
Posted by: organisation2004 on Wed Nov 19 12:18PM | Report abuseif he feels that way he should be able to go BUt it's a great shame as he's been FAB..........U.....LOUS Dahrling!! Let the rest have a "free pass" to the following week PLEASE and give John's exit even more dignity.
Posted by: jncdwrds on Wed Nov 19 12:18PM | Report abuseCant believe you have gone John....all those votes wasted on you!!!
Posted by: grantcbarnett on Wed Nov 19 12:18PM | Report abuse