Perdita
19-11-2008, 12:19
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.
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.
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
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.
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."
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."
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."
From BBC News
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."
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.
It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possiblee
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.
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."
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."
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."
From BBC News