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| Sergeant to pull out of Strictly | Sergeant to pull out of Strictly |
| (10 minutes later) | |
| Former political journalist John Sergeant has decided to pull out of the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. | Former political journalist John Sergeant has decided to pull out of the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. |
| The 64-year-old has received strong support from the public since the show started, but the judges have been critical of his dancing. | The 64-year-old has received strong support from the public since the show started, but the judges have been critical of his dancing. |
| In a statement, he said: "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." | In a statement, he said: "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." |
| It has been announced he will return on Saturday's show for a final dance. | It has been announced he will return on Saturday's show for a final dance. |
| Strictly judge Arlene Phillips 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. | Strictly judge Arlene Phillips 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. |
| It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possiblee John Sergeant 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 it was not been the first time a weak dancer had been backed by the public over the professionals. | Phillips pointed out 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". | And she admitted Sergeant had provided many "funny, funny moments". |
| She added: "Last week's performance was an improved performance. There wasn't a judge who didn't say that." | She added: "Last week's performance was an improved performance. There wasn't a judge who didn't say that." |
| In his statement, Sergeant, who was partnered with Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff said: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing. | In his statement, Sergeant, who was partnered with 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." | "It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible." |
| The former journalist said he would like "thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series". | The former journalist said he would like "thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series". |
| BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see him go." | BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see him go." |