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Sergeant to pull out of Strictly Sergeant quits Strictly contest
(39 minutes later)
Former political journalist John Sergeant has decided to pull out of the BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing. Ex-political journalist John Sergeant has pulled out of BBC One's Strictly Come Dancing because winning would have been "a joke too far", he has said.
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.
He told a press conference he was quitting because there was "no viable 'stop Sergeant' candidate".He told a press conference he was quitting because there was "no viable 'stop Sergeant' candidate".
He will return with Russian dance partner Kristina Rihanoff on Saturday's show for a "farewell dance". He will return on Saturday's show for a "farewell dance".
In an earlier statement, the broadcaster 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." If the joke wears thin, if in fact people begin to take it very seriously, and if people really are getting so wound up that it's very difficult to carry off the joke, then I think it is time to go John Sergeant class="" href="http://newsforums.bbc.co.uk/nol/thread.jspa?forumID=5680&edition=1">Was he right to quit? BBC One controller Jay Hunt told journalists the BBC had "every intention of reimbursing people" who had voted for Sergeant during the series.
Money raised by calls to Strictly Come Dancing goes to Children In Need.
'Genuine contender'
Sergeant said dancing on the show was "a wonderfully enjoyable thing", particularly with his Russian partner, Kristina Rihanoff.
"But if the joke wears thin, if in fact people begin to take it very seriously, and if people really are getting so wound up that it's very difficult to carry off the joke, then I think it is time to go.
"It's like when you decide when you leave a party, and the time to leave a party is before the fight starts, and I think that's really what's happened on this occasion," he added.
Rupert Adams, of bookmaker William Hill, told the BBC News website that Sergeant had gone from being a 66/1 outsider to win the series on Saturday morning, to a 10/1 shot by Wednesday morning.
"After Saturday night's programme, people realised that he was a genuine contender," he said.
Sergeant was now 6/1 to change his mind and rejoin the show by Saturday night, he added.
He was put in the most awkward position, looking at the other dancers and knowing they were better than him Bruce Forsyth
The programme's co-host Bruce Forsyth said he felt "very sorry" for Sergeant.The programme's co-host Bruce Forsyth said he felt "very sorry" for Sergeant.
"He was put in the most awkward position, looking at the other dancers and knowing they were better than him. He must have felt guilty in a way."He was put in the most awkward position, looking at the other dancers and knowing they were better than him. He must have felt guilty in a way.
"It's a bit sad - the whole team adore him," added the entertainer."It's a bit sad - the whole team adore him," added the entertainer.
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 possible John Sergeant Was he right to quit? 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 the first time a weak dancer had been backed by the public over the professionals.Phillips pointed out it was not the first time a weak dancer had been backed by the public over the professionals.
In the last series, GMTV presenter Kate Garraway defied the judges, while ex-EastEnders actor Christopher Parker made it to the final in spite of negative feedback.In the last series, GMTV presenter Kate Garraway defied the judges, while ex-EastEnders actor Christopher Parker made it to the final in spite of negative feedback.
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 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."
'Outstanding''Outstanding'
The former journalist said he would like to "thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series". John Sergeant consistently got the lowest score from the show's judges
BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see him go." Two weeks ago, judges turned on Sergeant, giving his cha-cha-cha, a mere 12 points out of the possible 40.
John Sergeant consistently got the lowest score from the show's judgesTwo weeks ago, judges turned on Sergeant, giving his cha-cha-cha, a mere 12 points out of the possible 40.
Arlene Phillips said the broadcaster was "outstanding at dancing really badly".Arlene Phillips said the broadcaster was "outstanding at dancing really badly".
Craig Revel Horwood gave Sergeant the lowest possible score - one point - and said his dancing was a "disaster".Craig Revel Horwood gave Sergeant the lowest possible score - one point - and said his dancing was a "disaster".
However, last week the professionals all agreed the broadcaster's timing had improved after he danced the American Smooth.However, last week the professionals all agreed the broadcaster's timing had improved after he danced the American Smooth.
Bruno Tonioli said the performance was "surprisingly appealing" and Phillips said he was "quite endearing".Bruno Tonioli said the performance was "surprisingly appealing" and Phillips said he was "quite endearing".
Chief judge Len Goodman decreed that it was his "best performance" so far.Chief judge Len Goodman decreed that it was his "best performance" so far.
Altogether Sergeant scored 25 - his personal best after the first nine weeks of the series.Altogether Sergeant scored 25 - his personal best after the first nine weeks of the series.