John Sergeant quits Strictly Come Dancing

Wed Nov 19 12:03PM by TV Editor

John Sergeant

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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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  • (41)

    It was funny for the first few weeks, but when good dancers started to go and John's limited performances were still a joke, the game was up.

    Posted by: j.m.breary.t21 on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (42)

    No, John wasn't right to quit. It wasn't his decision to make. It is for the viewers to decide who they want to remain in the show. Public voting will never award the prize to the 'best' dancer. Everyone will always vote, and always have voted, for the person they want to win regardless of quality.

    Posted by: alexsiamitchell on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (43)

    I think it is very sad that he has decided to quit... I thought the object of the show was for non-dancers to before and improve each week... which he did...

    Posted by: nureven on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (44)

    John is as skilled in PR as Lord Mandy! He has had a go and shown that older people can participate, but now he knows the fun has ended with a rather silly panel of judges trying to drive him out. This show has always been a soap/popularity contest - "Martin" from EE had two left feet, but made it to the final of the first series. I think SCD will now fade away as there is little point in light entertainment with audience participation if a few people get bupset about it. Well done, John.

    Posted by: david.a.hollins on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (45)

    I think John should not have quit. I think if the judges disagree with the public that strongly they should quit.

    Posted by: stephen_scully on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (46)

    Perhaps the TV companies need to listen to the public. we have had enough reality shows and want more variety shows, Good on you John. The shows of toady are all about making money from the public. What do we get in return.

    Posted by: fireaway_ltd on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (47)

    So strictly is only for 20 to 35,s No point having older or less fit ones on if they are only good for getting rid of, why have them on in the first place, blame the producers for choosing them. Sporty types only please, how sad! Well Done John, even I was going to vote for you this week! LA

    Posted by: brollyco on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (48)

    GUTTED. DON'T GET CELEBRITIES THEN.

    Posted by: nicolawetton on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (49)

    yes I do think he was right to pull out. Its a dance comp on a Popularity show Good on you John

    Posted by: barbaraandfrank on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse
  • (50)

    He has quite so he can get into the Jungle on ITV !

    Posted by: grantcbarnett on Wed Nov 19 12:19PM | Report abuse