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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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john was pushed into this by the judges' attitude, well done bbc, youv'ejust lost one scd fan!
Posted by: mikestretch on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abusei think it is a crying shame, he made us smile, I think he should stay even just to dance for us. If he had gone 3 weeks ago, the same people would be leaving now, it makes no diference, he should stay a couple more weeks by choice. A real shame
Posted by: sandria_bridger on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abusewell the judges just could not have their thoughts on who should go through be changed by the public - who is the show for anyways? Is it for entertainment as i dont believe there is a big contract or whatever to the winner. He should have stayed, the judges need to go
Posted by: lxdollarsxl on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseI think he is right to leave. All the celebs are working very hard, and some improving brilliantly, so it almost makes their hard work not needed. Its a shame, and I will be sad to see him go, I will miss the twinkle in his eye. Good luck to all. Carole
Posted by: carolevanheerden on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseAbsoutely right. What took him so long?
Posted by: pdconsarch on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseYes John is right to quit Strictly, fair enough the guy was entertaining but the show is about dancing and in my opinion, we lost two really good celebrity dancers over the past 2 weeks because he was getting votes not based on his dancing!
Posted by: emma_notts on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseplease John come back,the show won't be the same without you. I wont be watching it again. this is an entertainment show, and its up to the public who they vote for.
Posted by: mandyscurfield on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseHe was the only thing on the show that was worth watching. They will lose a lot of viewers, and a lot of money as they will have so many fewer votes. Shame but I suppose I want have to keep switching over to see when hes on now.
Posted by: rgaomegatransport on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseThink of all the people who voted for you to get this far. Stay for them and if you win it will be the best joke ever.
Posted by: prday15 on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuseAs for me, I'll be leaving the viewership. John was the only thing that made the programme REAL, a real person with real faults and imperfections, trying his best and looking as if (gasp, horror) he was really enjoying himself, not pretending to be a character that was pretending to enjoy himself. The other cast members (barring Brucie) look too fake and plastic. As for the judges, if they do not like the competition rules, either change them so the public have no say, or leave the competition themselves. Their attitude was not at all in the manner of fair play.
Posted by: fidraisle on Wed Nov 19 12:21PM | Report abuse