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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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I think it is entirely the judges to blame. Apart from this week they did not give constructive criticism and 2 weeks ago were downright rude!
Posted by: eburden16 on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseLOL who gives a sh@t, this programme is pants
Posted by: l.harper83 on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseA laudable but in some ways, regretful decision. He certainly supplied fun and warmth to the competition and will be missed in terms of his entertainment value. Perhaps he should have quit on Sunday allowing two extremely strong competitors to have progressed at least another week. Phil
Posted by: isandphil on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseYes I think it is right that he goes. I wasn't going to watch anymore as it was becoming a farce and I really liked to see the improvement in the dancers each week. He is a nice man but this is a dance competion just like X Factor is a singing competion. It's highly unlikely a bad singer would win the X Factor so why should a bad dancer win Strictly Come Dancing.
Posted by: yvo5354 on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseYes, I think John has done the gentlemanly thing - no way will he ever become a dancer worthy of winning the competition. It shows how little the public knows and understands these days what is required of an individual to become a dancer or a musician. Personality appeal is not the subject of this programme !
Posted by: s.m.price on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseAs he has left I think they should bring back cherie as she should never have been in the bottom 2
Posted by: madnurse2002uk on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseThe bad sportsmanship of the other contestants has been quite evident and the judges bullying has been less than appealing perhaps they too should leave the show, Anto Du Beke would make an excellent judge, they are very sore losers and John Sargeant leaving has underlined this . This is an entertainment show and the contestants whilst good are do far up themselves as to be VERY BORING
Posted by: suzypeart on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseYes absolutely he should go. It was making a mockery of the efforts ot the other contestants. Cherie Lunghi should never have been voted off and I admire John Sergent for doing the right thing.
Posted by: mdcaven on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseShame, it would have made it interesting for once, everyone always votes for the prettiest girl anyway so what would have been the difference if it was based on john's character? Could have been a step forward at least?...
Posted by: alexhammonduk on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abusemaybe he has done the right thing now the good dancers are being thrown out but i think the british public always come to their senses thy kept chico in the xfactor cus of entertainment value till the last possible second but when it got serious (going into the final) he was voted off. i think they always get it right eventually.
Posted by: magicsparklerfizzles on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuse