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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...
- TV specials: The X Factor | Strictly Come Dancing | I'm A Celebrity
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He is a darling but yes he is right to quit. It has been fun , the time is right , he has just proved the lovely person that he is.
Posted by: pearl.else on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseA man of honour. Shit show, wouldnt watch Americam type shite.
Posted by: davidemeny on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseAbsolutely right.. the BBC have to decide is it a Reality TV Show for nice people.. or a dancing competition. It has been farcical for the worst dancer to not be voted off. It makes a mockery of all the effort put in by the other more capable competitors. I applaud the report in the paper ithis morning re. the 3 strikes and you are out. On another point... can the BBC stop insulting our intelligence with the stupid idea that the Sunday night show.. is another show. We all know it is recorded whilst Match of the Day is on, and you cannot show it after that.. we are not idiots.. so stop teaching us as such. Bring back Cherie.... to dance again... and be treated fairly..........
Posted by: stephen_tandy on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseI think John is right to quit. It's a competition, after all, and he can see that the public were voting for him because he can't dance. It's the best move he has made in the whole series!
Posted by: robcrowe1 on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseAfter seeing Leon win the X Factor last year i don't see any reason why John could not have carried on and won Strictly. He has as much talent Leon did.
Posted by: zodgb2000 on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseJohn is wrong to go, the ratings will slump, he was the highlight in what is a rather dull show with pompus judges and a has been host
Posted by: saffitaylor on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseIts about time he went, He's just making a mockery of the show, & preventing a better dancer going further. The pity is that we won't be seeing Kristina again.
Posted by: g4djc on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abusejohn has proved how bad the judges are and the public has done the same. The same thing is starting on the x factor. the people are ahead of the game. we never get to know the the public number of votes anyway!!!!
Posted by: dianeplant on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseThe judges do not think much of the public vote .SO I EILL NOT BE WATCHING AGAIN
Posted by: gs29071946 on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuseDisgraceful !! So much for democratic voting. What a surprise its on the BBC - we are only allowed to vote for what conforms with the 'correct' view. Pathetic.
Posted by: howard.slater on Wed Nov 19 12:20PM | Report abuse