Sergeant pulls out of Strictly
Updated on 19 November 2008
Veteran broadcaster John Sergeant has pulled out of TV talent show Strictly Come Dancing.
The 64-year-old has consistently received criticism from the judges since the start of the show, despite strong support from the public.
Sergeant, who was partnered by Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff, 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."
"I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."
BBC One controller Jay Hunt said: "John has told us of his plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing and we are very sad to see him go.
"He has been an entertaining contestant and is hugely popular with the viewers.
"We would have liked him to stay but we respect his decision to leave.
"John and Kristina will be performing a farewell dance this Saturday on the show."
Sergeant's shock exit comes amid claims the show's bosses are planning to change the rules in the next series of the show.
According to the new rules, any contestants at the bottom of the leader board for three weeks in a row would get the boot.
Judge Arlene Phillips, who has been scathing of Sergeant's performances, said: "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."
When asked if she felt responsible for his departure, she said: "Not really. If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme."
Phillips pointed out that it was not been the first time a weak dancer had been backed by the public over the professionals.
And she admitted Sergeant had provided many "funny, funny moments".
She said: "Last week's performance was an improved performance. There wasn't a judge who didn't say that."
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