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John Sergeant dances off Strictly John Sergeant dances off Strictly
(10 minutes later)
John Sergeant has danced his final waltz on BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing, after he quit earlier this week for fear he would win it. John Sergeant has danced his final waltz on BBC One show Strictly Come Dancing, after he quit earlier this week saying he feared he would win.
The former political journalist, who received strong support from the public, had said if he had won it would have been "a joke too far". The former political journalist, who received strong support from the public, denied he had been pushed and said it had been "strictly fantastic".
He thanked the judges for the "extraordinary" way they had whipped up public support in his favour.
The BBC is offering to reimburse anyone who voted for Sergeant on 15 November.
The 64-year-old performed a waltz to the music Come Away With Me with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.The 64-year-old performed a waltz to the music Come Away With Me with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.
The BBC is offering to reimburse anyone who had voted for Sergeant. I certainly wasn't pushed, Brucie John Sergeant
'Frightening thought' Despite Sergeant coming bottom of the score-board three weeks in a row, the voting public had chosen to keep him in the competition.
Despite Sergeant coming bottom of the score board three weeks in a row, the voting public had chosen to keep him in the competition.
Explaining his decision to quit earlier in the week, he said winning the competition was a "frightening thought".Explaining his decision to quit earlier in the week, he said winning the competition was a "frightening thought".
He added: "I didn't want that to happen because it would have been a very bittersweet victory."He added: "I didn't want that to happen because it would have been a very bittersweet victory."
The BBC has received more than 2,000 complaints about Sergeant's departure since he announced he was quitting the show.The BBC has received more than 2,000 complaints about Sergeant's departure since he announced he was quitting the show.
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."
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. On Saturday, Sergeant told the host: "I certainly wasn't pushed, Brucie."
Perfect score
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."
She added Sergeant had provided many "funny, funny moments".She added Sergeant had provided many "funny, funny moments".
Jodie Kidd, Tom Chambers, Christine Bleakley, Austin Healey, Lisa Snowdon and Rachel Stevens remain in the competition.Jodie Kidd, Tom Chambers, Christine Bleakley, Austin Healey, Lisa Snowdon and Rachel Stevens remain in the competition.
Stevens and her partner Vincent Simone scored the first perfect score of the series, with four 10s from the judges.
The result show is on BBC One on Sunday.