John Sergeant quits Strictly

Posted by Nikki Scholey

John Sergeant has quit Strictly Come Dancing.

The former political journalist has come under severe criticism in recent weeks for his dancing skills and remaining in the competition when better dancers were voted off.

He's received strong public support since the show began but he has now decided to hang up his dancing shoes.

Sergeant, who was partnered with Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff said: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

He added: "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 was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible."

He finished the statement by saying he would like "thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series".

One of the show's judges, Arlene Phillips, expressed her sadness at Sergeant's departure: "I'm always sad if a contestant leaves out 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 told the BBC.

She also denied feeling responsible for his departure: "If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme."

John Sergeant will appear on the show for the last time this Saturday.

Source: BBC

Was John right to resign? Have your say below

SEE ALSO:
Arlene's anger as John stays >>
Saturday's show >>

Comments

[Jennifer]

Good grief!! It's only a blooming TV programme!! Lets get this into some kind of perspective.

Who cares if he goes or stays?

Money has been raised for charity and thats all that matters in the end.

John is a very likeable chap, who dances like and Dad and proves that he enjoys every blasted minute of it.

What John has forgotton though is that by his leaving, the charity concerned will be missing out on a lots of charty donations via telephone votes.

[Karen]

If John hadn't have decided to go there would be all this fuss - the whole country don't want him back - I DONT -I have always watched strictly and part of the enjoyment factor is to see people getting better at dancing each week and the best one winner at the end - will the eventual winner this year have a bitter sweet victory! The whole show has been tainted by this whole episode - the judges are cruel to at least one person each series - where was the backlash then - and for people asking for their money back UNFORGIVEABLE - percentage of the money is for charity FOR CHILDREN IN NEED - are you only going to ask for the money that you spent on the actual call or are you going to include the money that would have been donated to charity as well. John wasnt a good dancer - but he shouldnt have left in the way he did - this strictly will be forever remembered for the one that left and I feel sorry for whoever wins - I dont know why they bother to train so hard each week - just put in a cute-sy performance and the viewing public will save you -apparently!

[Michael Spencer]

He did absolutely the right thing - why would anyone put up with the unjustified and vitriolic comments that he had to suffer, especially from the judges. John is not only above all this but also his great sense of humour maintained and sustained his dignity. I also feel very sorry for Kristina - what a special lady she is and hardly any compliments on the hard work she put in!! NOBODY deserves the rudeness that he had to put up with and by association to Kristina!!

[Anne Cleary]

I think everyone would want to remember the rules of the programme. John should have stayed, it was the public vote, I wont be watching again, and as for Bruce Forsythe he needs to go asap, we now need fresh blood and new faces.

[lorraine]

BRING BACK JOHN BACK AND KICK OUT CRAIG AND ARLENE the people should say who they like to say if people dont vote where is you show i thought it was for CHARITY I MUST OF BEEN WRONG IT MUST BE TO LINE THE BBC POCKETS i will not be watching the show anymore im glad the bullies got there way it the famous people give up there time for carity then they should be able to stay and finish of what they started instead ot been bullied out they make me sick

[Malcolm]

John sargent was OK for entertainment value, but at the end of the day it is supposed to be a "DANCING ABILITY SHOW ". If John was honest he didn,t in his wildest imagination think he would get this far -(lack of dance ability), so why was a cruise booked in the period covering the Strictly Come Dancing period.

[Charlie]

The B C C must acknowledge the criteria and level playing field that John was invited onto the show.

Under that criteria he should have stayed.

However because of the constant inappropriate comments leveled at him by the Judges, and in the best interest of the show he resigned with dignity

That was highlighted on Saturday when Led in a very sarcastic way on behalf of the judges wished John all the veto best for the future, in whatever he decided to do

John with excellent charm and dignity following his final dance

"Thanked the Judges for their contribution in encouraging the public in vote for him" "Nice one John"

When will the Judges realise that inappropriate remarks fuel the public to vote for who is at the receiving end of these remarks.

Example Is Christine the New John?

He resigned with dignity

[Lucy]

i cant believe John Sergent resigned from Strictly come dancing!!!!! he was pushed off the show by the judges. he might not have been that great, but he was entertaining and now everyone left in the competition takes it too seriously. BRING JOHN BACK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Michelle]

So he wasn't great. He certainly didn't deserve the barrage of abuse from the Judges. The more aggravated they become the more people will vote to annoy them. Don't they see this? It happened with Kate Garraway too. John tactfully backed out of the competition because he could see what would happen. He knows full well himself he's not the best dancer in the competition and I think is rather embarassed about the whole debacle. Yes it's a dance competition first and foremost, it's also reality TV. If people don't like it - then vote (or not if the case may be) - to have a realistic outcome! John was a gentleman throughout.

[Jack]

The judges on Strictly and the judges on XFactor are unprofessional egotistical children.

[berry]

Public is to blame for this. Indeed, it was fun to have John there during the first few weeks. But at a certain point it started spoiling the show, because it is about DANCING, in the end of the day. The best entertainment in this show is too see how unprofessional dancers can make such a huge progress in such a short time. It is a shame that, instead, some parts of the public decided to take advantage of the show to demonstrate their resistance to "authorities", i.e judges. Very childish indeed. And although it is just a show, it makes me wonder whether the same people would vote for a politician, who clearly does not suit the role - just for the sake of it?

[TED]

John should have resigned. It wasn't his fault, but he had to go.

[safiamay]

John should have stayed-he complied with the rules-I think they will be changed for next year. The public pay their licences, they can choose who they want.
"Freedom of speech and own rights" was fought for and that was what we all thought of on 11/11/08 at 11am.
Just because some jumped-up judges decide they aren't getting "their ways", they go and ruin it for everyone. Who made them the Elitists to decide what we, the public, want.
Anyway, won't be watching now, end of!!!!

[emma]

Its a tv show, not the end of the world!

[jean]

Was anyone else shocked by the comments of James Jordan on ITT last night? He seemed to be contradicting what he said on Monday in ,once again, an extremely unkind fashion. Most of the pro dancers have said little about John but James' comments show what an arrogant man he is-and he can't even speak the Queen's english.

[Anne]

I'm so pleased that John has finally gone...not before time!! I'm so sick of people saying he was there for the entertainment, maybe he was, but at the end of the day, it's a DANCING competition and by him being voted to stay each week, it just meant that a better dancer has been kicked out, which to me, seems very unfair. The judges are only doing their job, which is to be honest about the DANCING and score appropriately and people need to realise that.

[Anne]

I'm so pleased that John has finally gone...not before time!! I'm so sick of people saying he was there for the entertainment, maybe he was, but at the end of the day, it's a DANCING competition and by him being voted to stay each week, it just meant that a better dancer has been kicked out, which to me, seems very unfair. The judges are only doing their job, which is to be honest about the DANCING and score appropriately and people need to realise that.

[Charlie]

John was invited onto the entertainment show on the same level playing field as all of the other contestents.

He has applied the competition rules and conditions 100% professionally with dignity

HOWEVER: The JUDGES(All 4 of them) behaviour has been a DISCRACE with their inappropriate comments leveled at John.

Totally unprofessional and unpardonable.

The Judges position and remit must be reviewed and managed for the future

As under the current rules and conditions of the competition the mess that the B B C is now in, is due 100% to the lack of professionalism on the part of the JUDGES

[happynow]

I watched It Takes 2 last night and I am sorry, John had to go - this is a DANCING competition - the public who voted for John are to blame for this debacle; if he had gone into I'm A Celebrity then yes, it is on personality. All I could see from his interview last night was that he was leaving because he would get the best publicity out of it now rather than in a few weeks when the better dancers were leaving.

The Judges are there to judge the dancing and they were right it was awful and if the public had voted for dancing above his "vote for me coz I'm a cuddly chap" appeal then the show would have gone out as it should and the good dancers would not have been in the bottom two until the bad ones had left. I think that like the GMTV presenters, John would have reached his "sell by" date as the people who voted for the dancing would have inevitably voted in such a way that he would have been in the bottom two.

Arlene Phillips said that she didn't want anyone to "walk" but for them to be voted off in accordance with their dancing abilities - if this had been the case, John would have been history weeks ago.

James Jordan's call to vote for the best dancer was right in my opinion - he took it on the chin that he and Cherie were the worst of the two couples in the dance-off (even though they shouldn't have been!) and I admire him for voicing the opinion of the many viewers who had been voting for the dancing.

[agibson]

Very sorry for Kristina. Saw her in Dukinfield on Sunday and she was really enjoying it.

John should not have left because either he has let the bullies win which is always a bad example or he is scared of facing a dance off which is also a bad example. He signed up for the show and should have carried on.

The competition is now ruined with a two couple final over which the judges have too much influence like last year. A final of Alesha, Matt and Gethin may well have given a different result as Gethin was developing quite a following in the previous weeks.

Judges should have no say in the last two shows to compensate.

[dawnie]

only the public got themselves to blame for him walking, they should have got rid off him ages ago!!!! Bring back Cherie

[Polly]

As a fan of SCD I WILL be watching the show and voting for the dancer I think is the best. I think John is hilarious but he shouldn't be in a dancing competition.
Perhaps some of the people here should learn from John. He at least has demonstrated the meaning of fair play. How can it be fair to stay when people are saying they were voting for him to spite the judges? He did the only honorable thing and left the show as he knew that it would be very unfair if he won.
More insulting must surely be the suggestion that this well respected and highly intelligent political journalist would be intimidated and or allow himself to be bullied by judges in a dancing competition.
I am sure he will now be laughing all the way to the bank.

[jay]

Having watched the evening programmes about John Sargeant leaving Strictly Come Dancing, I can't believe how two-faced the judges are, having been incredibly rude and disparaging week after week, they now utter words of regret that he's leaving!! And as for the professionals!! After the acid request to the public from sour-faced Mr Jordan to vote for 'the dancing', we now have Mathew Cutler's pompous utterings about how he should stay - he really can't win. Of course JS should have gone much earlier, but the public voted him in, and surely that is what the show is about. It has become obviously that the ill feeling going on behind the scenes about his popularity is part of why JS decided to leave. Personally, after this I hope the BBC take off the programme and the judges and professional dancers lose their very lucrative jobs never to be seen again on our TV screens.

[Emily]

I was annoyed not only with the judges and professional dancers remarks towards John but also Bruce Forsyth contribution. His 20yr old wit aimed at John was uncalled for "Shame on you Bruce" Four generations of my family who voted for him would like their money back.

[Peter]

Do the decent thing and resign Arlene, how can you show your face again!

[Eric]

These constant drip drip allegations of bullying are so ridiculous. The judges are doing the job for which they are well paid; judging a dancing competition. The competitors, also being very well paid, are trying extremely hard to achieve the goal of winning. Is it bullying to point out the errors to a competitor? All competitors in this and previous series have accepted with grace the criticisms levied against them. What on earth is wrong with a large section of the British public now becoming so het up about a man, who, by his own admission, shouldn't be there?

[bignevc]

Sorry you had to go John,Saturday won't be the same without you.Won't be viewing BBC on a Saturday for sometime.

[Dave]

Arlene and Len should resign after having bullied John off the show.

The public viewing figures will drop like a stone now, as will the telephone charity donations. Well done judges and BBC you blew it

[jean]

Wonder if Strictly will be able to recover from this scandal, but like everything else, life goes on and we are quick to forget, never really learning from our mistakes, so it probably will survive.My mother used to say-if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all. Maybe the judges need to remember that for next time!

[philip]

I am neither pleased or displeased that John has gone, however I would be annoyed if he had gone much further and the really good dancers lose out.The problem in future is easily fixed - you vote for the person you want off not who you keep on but I suspect that brings less telephone revenue so as usual its all about money.

[Martin Lewis - Woking.]

Such a sheme that John has been effectively "bullied" off! Shame on the judges! Whom of course are no doubt used to getting their own way, i'm sure, at all costs!

John's ability to remain unflapable when under such intense critism/pressure, shows the true strength of the man and also underpins the phrase that"class always prevails". It really touched me to John enjoy dancing with his beautiful partner so much, and after all, not all of us are out there to be the most "perfect" dancers "technically"! But there's nothing more special to me than to see someone enjoy themeselves so much and as a consequence, bring enjoyment to other people without even speaking with them! John you're a rarity, but no doubt we shall be seeing you much more on TV long after this series finishes. Thank you John!

[paul fennell]

Firstly may I say that John's dancing is better, by far than some of the spelling in these comments!
For those 'oh so serious' dancers may I suggest that you request the BBC to bring back Come Dancing....SCD is supposed to be for the license payers entertainment.Of course some peoples' idea of entertainment is almost akin to Rome's throwing Christians to the lions!!
I am saddened by the state of our television..more worrying still that certain sectors of our society seem to think that this 'reality tv' is real life.
WE PAY TO VOTE, therefore it is for us, the public, to choose whom we wish.The BBC needs to tread very carefully or SCD may become Stricktly More Censored by the goverment!
I wish John Good Luck after all the only way is up!

[john Woodward]

Iam sorry John had to go but I am also sorry at the nasty comments about the judges.They comment on the dancing not whether they like a person. This is a great show which has done a lot for dancing in the UK but if John had continued removing hard worked talented dancers at this stage it would have been an injustice. I look forward to next week.

[Jayne]

Good for John for having a bash, but he really was crap. Although the mix of celebs trying their hand at professional dancing is a bad mix..get everyone of the same level and then see how they progress from week to week..much fairer and we'll really have a better competition for the judges and for the viewers

[Allan]

So the bullying judges and prima donna comments from professional dancers who have been upset by John's popularity and progress in this 'lighthearted entertainment show' have finally hit the mark.
The quality of dancing may be better from now on . . . . the entertainment value has just nosedived.

[Anne-Marie]

Let's face it; the oldies have always been put into SCD as cannon fodder. I still remember with affection Stephanie Beacham heartfelt 'Thank God' when she was voted out and with sadness when Jimmy Tarbuck had to retire due to ill health. As an oldie myself I wonder why some of the older celebrities volunteer for the show, after all, things do creak at our age, muscles groan when asked to climb that flight of stairs which I am sure keeps on growing in my absence.
When it was announced that John Sargeant was taking part, I wondered how long he would last purely on whether he had the stamina to go on for too long, but I never expected him to be constantly voted in on what he calls 'entertainment' value.
I liken his continual presence in the show to the same type of gallows appeal that got large crowds waiting for a hanging. John, it is not your dancing that is entertaining all your voters; it's waiting to see how the judges attack you afterwards, that's the gallows entertainment I mean.
For the first time an 'oldie' was golden with Cherie. Instead of wincing in sympathy with some of the older celebrities who have been on the show over the years, we finally had someone of mature years who could have conceivably have gone on to the final and maybe even win it, though the field this year is way above previous years, and it could be anyone's race in the long run.
Of course, bad dancing is not just the prerogative of the golden oldies, I still shudder with embarrassment when I think of Chris Parker's vampire bat attempt in the Paso doble.
What I have always loved about the show is the WOW factor. WOW when Aleysia did her cha cha cha, and of course most of her other dances, WOW when Zoë did her Paso doble, WOW WOW when Jill did her jive. That's what makes the show great, the WOW factor and however likable John is, his dancing or even any entertainment value he 'gives', which I doubt, the fact remains he doesn't WOW me and after Cherie losing out to him on Sunday, I feel cheated not entertained. To claim he is entertaining implies that the others are not, to claim the public is keeping him in the show because of the entertainment factor IS insulting to the others, especially Jodie who has improved far beyond expectations. John has only got marginally better but best will in the world, John you will never be able to WOW the audience like Jill, Zoë and Aleysia, now that we have only good or even great dancers left in this DANCING competition, if hew had stayed again, someone really good will miss out on the chance to win. Think on how much we would have lost if Aleysia, Jill, Natasha, Mark, and Gavin hadn't made it to the final of their series, or the joy of seeing Zoë, Gethan, Matt and Colin Jackson if they had lost out early to a dancer like John... it doesn't bare thinking about.
IT IS A DANCING SHOW AFTER ALL.

[Kate]

Look at it this way, all that has happened is that he has delayed somebody being voted off by one week. If he had gone in week 1 the rest would still have gone. At least he provided entertainment

[Rog]

What a shame . I am desperately sorry that John has felt the need to go . Mind you , I guess it just reflects the difference between a gracious , caring man who would rather sacrifice his place than allow the other contestants to have their efforts and abilities sidelined and overshadowed by this squabble and the snotty nosed " We are Gods and must be obeyed " attitudes of the judges . The public are allowed to vote and if all they can do is throw their dollies out of their prams when the public disregard their opinions why don't they show dignity equal to John and resign .
There is no doubt that he does not deserve a place purely on dancing technique - although I bet a lot of girls would rather dance with John and enjoy feeling he actually enjoyed their company , looked at them and smiled at them rather than have partners who toss their heads about and do just about eveything else but - but he is great entertainment value Sat. evenings will be a lot worse without him .
Having always believed that criticism should be positive , how about sacking the judges and bring back John as presenter along side Tess to provide charm and real humour rather than the self centred rantings of some geriatric who is past his sell-by date !!

[Pamela]

As a family, we are greatly saddened that John has left the competition, for whatever reason. We feel that he was continuously bullied by the judges and proffesionals alike that it left him with no alternative but to step down. Surely we as the general public who vote (and this is what this programme is about,) our wishes should be adhered to, I think the judges should be ashamed of themselves, what is the point in the public voting if the judges bully the person off

Also as a family with our grandchildren watching too we wonder what sort of
immpression this leaves upon them, Schools are constantly trying to stop bullying but here you are on a family entertaiment programme allowing this to happen. John may not be the best dancer in the whole wide world, but we the public applause his efforts, and when it is time for him to go the public should decide. (after all the judges are for ever falling out, they can never agree)
It's a dirsgrace.

[Dave]

I thought the programme was supposed to be entertainment and with John and Kristina there it certainly was.
If it was supposed to be a dance competition then he would have been voted off in the first week.
I think the judges seemed to forget that fact.

[jackie]

It has been very refreshing to see an ordinary person curry favour with the great British public instead of the over-hyped, perfect- figured "celebrities". I thought that this dancing show was to promote the weekly improvements of non-dancers, rather than those who could already dance fairly well. Yes, there are far better dancers than John, but to me has shown a great improvement from week to week, starting as hopeless and now leaving as a fairly competent dancer. The others have all improved too, but not at such a pace as John. I for one want to see how ugly ducklings are turned into swans on the dance floor not swans into peacocks. I shall miss John and probably never watch the show again after he leaves.

[T & J M]

Psychology from John and music and choreography from Kristina excellent! Brilliant entertainment. The show may go downhill if we don't get some better music (more traditional dance music)! !

[Christine]

John was a great personality on the show and brought good humoured entertainment into Saturday night TV, something sadly lacking these days. Maybe all the 'celebs' should have the same level of dancing skills at the start of the competition to ensure fairness to all. It is obvious from this and previous years that this has never been the case. Is there any point in the general public voting at all, or is this just another money making venture for the BBC???

[marilyn]

Its an entertainment show. We are voting for what we want to watch. Keep going john. Do it for your fans

[Josh]

John is the best one. I think the show is exposed for what it is utter crap. Its always the same the young semi pro winning the show. why could he not win for effort you morons.I am young a gorgeous but why should it always be people like us winning.....

[Laura]

I don't think he should have gone. He should have been voted off a long time ago. I don't understand when people say they were voting for him because he was entertaining- he wasn't. It was hardly like watching Kate Garraway or Quentin Wilson who were entertaining to watch- as they were dragged about the floor.
The judges aren't to blame. They are judging dancing, otherwise should we have had John, Gary Rhodes and Jesse Wallace in the final- I don't think so!

[Dodee]

So sorry that John has felt it necessary to leave the show. The judges should feel ashamed of themselves as they are to blame. The public are probably fed up with being talked down to and told how to vote. If we express our own opinion, and vote differently from them they don't like it and get stroppy. Why have a public vote if they can't accept it? I think they should go.

[vanessa r]

Although I agree that the judges were quite harsh in some of their comments to John, it was all pretty obvious that it was through sheer frustration that they did so.Yes this is a reality show of sorts, although it's charity that's benefitting from it rather than an individual but it is also a dance competition (look at the title!). People are asked to vote for their favourites -as in favourite dancers. The John Sargeant issue is a reflection on today's attitude towards people (by the people). He isn't a comedian (though he has a good sense of humour), keeping him in because people like to have a laugh at his expense seems to be, in my opinion really rather cruel. Who really likes to be laughed at unless it's your job to make people laugh?

[Candy]

I for one won't watch SCD anymore...which is a great shame for the charity involved if others feel the same. No, John shouldn't have won but he was great entertainment value at the same time as my admiring Austin or Tom. Its all left a rather nasty sour taste hasn't it?

Shame on those botox-up mutton, aged jet lagged, cross dressing judges!

[Jessica]

If its a "dance competition" dont have dancers competing and if public like him so what... Robbie williams is not the best singer but....I think all these people saying he should go are rather Sad taking the show so literally. Judges are rubbish and what do they know. Its was people like john that mede people like me watch the show it gives us all hope to do things we wuld not normally do. Judges get new jobs you were out of order to push him out.

[Caraline]

I too am sorry to see John go - he was entertaining and I thought that is what the shows aim was! BUT - when will judges on these type of shows learn, that when they "get at" a possible underdog and criticise them, that a percentage of the public will vote out of sympathy. If they stuck to genuine and non-personal comments I don't think we would be in this situation now. As for Arlene saying she is sorry he felt the need to go - what a hypocrit - just look back at footage of previous weeks! Did she not utter the words "it's time to go"??? One other thing that amazed me about Saturdays voting, is that Rachel Stevens was not in the bottom two - she obviously deserved not to be, but Len did stupidly place her in danger of being so with his flippant remark about dancing naked with Claudia if she was. They should watch their comments as it is proved time and again how they can anger the public to do the opposite of what maybe should happen! So what if John stayed and won? The show should be about taking a non-dancing and teaching them to the best of their ability, and to that end Len would not have given a "7" to John if he could not see improvement!

[JB]

Such a shame John has gone, he is such a lovely character. Pity the judges don't have the same pleaseant personality instead of always showing themselves up shouting over each other. What the judges and professional dancer forget, this is a family entertainmnent show not a professional dance competition. The public should have the final say in who goes through. What they all seem to forget, without the public there wouldn't be a show. Who the judges think they are I don't know. They are the ones who should go. I think everyone has had enough of there childish ways.

YOU SHOULD HAVE STAYED JOHN Saturday evening will not be the same.
June

[john]

I agree I think the judges have not mad a "dance show" by inviting very different talents as contestants. its like having professional singers with amateurs competing on X factor. Rachel has done dancing with S Club before and its biased. Judges your crap.

[Molly]

I loved john he was the funnest there thought he was great and so was kristina she should be so prowd and should be in next years
going to miss you john

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also love the girls dresses partly the reason i watch

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[Shilmal]

We loved seeing him each week it was the high of Saturday viewing he will be sadly missed but most certainly not forgotted,his name will be mentioned on almost every show not just this years show but in coming years as well.
Well done John, hope to see you in other things in the future, you have more personality in your little finger than all the others in the show!!!

John rules

[Steve]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, Stop saying Children in Need will miss out. SCD is not supporting any charities this year, if you vote thinking that part of your premium rate call will go to charity you are wrong, CHARITY WILL NOT BENEFIT

[Abs]

im pleased he stepped down, it was the nice thing to do. he was funny at first but the joke is old now and no one is laughing anymore. people say they wont watch it if he isnt in it but its nice to watch people with talent as well as the rubbish ones. austin to win :)

[kathryn]

I BELIEVE 100% THE JUDGES ARE AT FAULT AM I THE ONLY ONE TO NOTICE THEY OFFER PEOPLE WHO CANNOT DANCE A CHANCE TO COME ON THE SHOW, ALONG WITH CONTESTANTS WHO CAN DANCE, IF IT S A DANCE SHOW THEN SURELY ASK ALL PEOPLE WHO CAN DANCE OR ALL PEOPLE WHO CANT DANCE AS YOU CONTINOUSLY SLAGGING OFF SOMEONE WHO IS 70 AND HAS TRIED.......I AM DISGUSTED AT ALL OF THEM WELL DONE JOHNX

[wayne clarke]

yes he was right to quit. the general public quite obviously have no idea what good dancing is from bad. john is a bad dancer and the better dancers were being voted off. this has made this competition an absolute joke.to vote for someone just because thyr'e liked is not what this competition is about. it's about TALENT. get this into your heads joe public wake up and smell the coffee.

[Eddie]

If there is another series of Strictly, following this debacle, a completely new panel of Judges should be put in place.I think that we have enough poison comments from this "lot".
John has shown that he has Class, more than you can say for the judges!!

[Anon.]

I have to admit, it seems a shame that people have voted to keep him in (I can't think why?!) and their money has simply been wasted. However, I don't understand how he got so far into the competition? Heather & Cherie should not of gone! I would be horrified if he had of stayed in the competition and beat, say, Rachel, Jodie or Austin to the final! Which, by the looks of things, he probably would of! So, I respect him from leaving. Although it is entertainment, it is still a dance competiton. And not all BBC entertainment shows need be about childish antics and games. I have been inspired by the show and have decided to start dancing because of it. I do quite like John, I can see why perhaps an older generation may have voted for him, but again, it was time he left. I think Cherie should come back! Best wishes to all!

[Paul]

It's sad that John has been pressured into leaving. Do I get the money back I've spent voting to keep him in all these weeks? No need to watch any more as the show will be boring without him.

[Dave]

So sad to see John go - but did he jump or was he pushed! If the judges did not like the outcome of the public vote then why did they not resign!!

[Alison]

I am so sorry to see John go. He may not have been a good dancer, but all his dances were preformed with diginty and a smile. Excellent entertainment which is what I thought the show was meant to be about! Shame on you judges for putting him in this position. Thank you John

[H]

Why should an entertainment show come to this? I am sorry John has decided to leave, also sorry for Kristina she has done a brilliant job with the dance routines for John I take my hat off to her... you both will be missed. I hope the judges are now very pleased, a view the voting public will, no doubt, not be taking.

[Leigh]

John performance was the best bit of the show. Bring back John. !

[Michelle]

He should stay, it is entertainment and if the public vote for him to stay then so be it.

[Andrew]

This wasn't designed to be a dancing contest. If it were, then why the zarking fardwarks is Tess continuing to exhort us to vote for our favourite despite the judges' outbursts..... nuff said, I reckon.

[maisy]

Do people not realise that this is not an actual DANCING competition, it is a chance for semi-has been 'celebrities' to take part in another reality show. If it were a dancing competition then they would use what is known in the trade as 'dancers' not celebrities! if the public voted for John then he has as much right to be there as anyone else, and all this nonsense about making a mockery of the show is ridiculas. If you want to watch a real dance competition, then go ahead let everyone else enjoy a reality show where the audience vote is supposed to account for something.

[Sam Thompson]

The BBC are at fault. Strictly is either an entertainment program or its not? The producers knew exactly what they were doing when they signed John up for the show. He has raised a lot of money for charity during his run, watch it reduce now each week perhaps the judges(?) should donate their salaries to make up the short fall? Well done John, onwards and upwards.

[Catherine]

How strange. Has everyone forgotten that Chris Parker made it through to the Final a few years ago, and wasn't cowed into submission? John should have stayed. I bet he was only recruited in the first plae as a potential figure of fun, a ploy on the part of the producers that clearly back-fired. He should have stuck to his guns and kept going.

[sea Bass]

Sorry to see you go John I have enjoyed your performance but at the end of the day it is a competion the best dancers should win, whatever the judges say and award their scores the public have their say you are a favourite with them but they should listen to what they say on how the dance routine should be done.Well done John.

[Blinky Bill]

The system of voting is flawed to allow this situation to happen in the first place.
The Directors need to come up with a more satisfactory method of assigning votes.
Unfortunately this has up-staged what is an excellent show .... very sad :(

[gill]

Wow, I can't believe the amount of messages left about this!!! I respect John for his decision as the whole thing has been blown up so much that people were voting for him even more. I felt sorry that better dancers were voted off however but that was obviously not John's fault, just the public reacting to the judges' comments much of the time and also looking at John as entertainment value. I think the suggestion someone made on another blog about the person with the lowest votes from the judges automatically goes into the dance off plus the one with the lowest votes from the public is a great idea. That would be fairer because then the judges' decision as regards "dancing" rather than "entertainment" would be valid as that is what they are there to do! However, that said, well done John for what he has achieved since he first started in the show and now let's get on with the "dancing competition".

[Kathy]

Whilst it as a dance show it is also light entertainment and I am very entertained by John. Having paid a small fortune for a TV licence I object to being told who it is appropriate to watch. We are told it is the public vote that counts and the public obviously want him to stay.

[Jackie]

John should not have felt the need to go. He was entertaining and that is why the public voted to keep him in - it is an entertainment show after all. I think it makes a mockery of public voting - why ask us our opinion and then consantly attack us for not making the "right" choice. That is up to us and the judges etc should not take it so seriously, as that takes the fun out of it. It may be a dancing competition, but it is good fun - as is John. Shame to see him go. He has shown a side to himself that many of us have never seen before and I wish him well.

[Susan]

I admire John for making such a difficult decision in the face of such high dignity from the Judges. However, I am extremely sorry that he has felt it necessary to take such a drastic step - it would have been marvellous if he had won the competition. It's what the programme needs and he will be a great loss and all this rubbish about him not practising - the man's lost two stone which you don't do just reading a newspaper. My husband and I have lost all interest in the show and certainly will not be voting, if even watching. We will watch John for the last time this Saturday and trust the Judges will be happy - they've certainly upset a great number of viewers, as the voting results show, and perhaps it would be a good time for them to leave, or reconsider their positions.

John, please reconsider for the sake of freedom of choice and for the entertainment you have given us. You've certainly earned our respect. Let the funniest, hardworking, most entertaining, man win!

[Linda]

With all the outrage from the judges about the public voting for John to stay in the competition, the judges saying this is a dancing competition etc. why oh why did they invite John to take part?
Was it thought that he would be good entertainment, to get a laugh out of his expense? to rip him,and the other not so good dancers,apart. All to get good viewing figures?

As far as the judges were concerned his had served his purpose and now they want rid. How shallow they are and so very very rude to call him a dancing pig. Long Live John and his unique dancing performance. Loved him

[May]

I think it's a pity that all
those plonkers voted for John
in the first place. If they
had not, he would have been
voted off instead of feeling
he had to resign which has
spoilt the show for a lot of
people. The voting was not for
a political correspondent. I
am sure he felt some embarrassment about being kept
on when he knew himself his
dancing was not good. What a
nation of idiots the Brits are.
I am sorry he has had to go
through this because of British stupidity. Although
the judges are harsh, if people dont want to hear
their comments then dont
have judges just get the
very unintelligent British
public to vote - why not -
they voted the present
government in who have
ruined the country.

[Frances]

It does show that John is a gent and sensible. It is supposed to be a dance competition and the public were being a bit silly by voting him to stay on while losing some good dancers.

[Peter]

No way should he go! If the competition is designed as a phone-in, then that is it ... as long as he's voted in, he should stay ... if the organisers want to give the experts the vote, then OK ... but until then, 'rules is rules', and the experts should lump it or leave the show themselves!!

[Brenda]

I presume that the show is for entertainment and John certainly entertained me!! If the judges and powers to be are unhappy then they should change the format so that only the judges get to vote - or would that mean loss of revenue!

[Lil]

I am extreamly disapointed that John has felt presured to leave, he was great fun to watch and that is what the show is about. I think the judges should feel ashamed for their snide comments, it will put off future "less perfect" stars from doing the show.

[Nessie]

Good on you John at least you gave it a go and were a good sport

[Carole]

If the panel don't like the result of the public vote then don't ask them to waste their money for a phone in. Get real its just a show for charity & John was very entertaining to watch. Its wrong for all the critisim he has received through no fault of his own, other than be popular with the viewers!! Something to laugh at on a dull Saturdays nites viewing.

[Katie Sayers]

I do think it is sad that John left but come on people i know its a dance show and the viewers choice but it wasnt fair that john kept going through and better dancers were getting voted off. Just remember people yes it is family entertaining but you are supposed to be voting on the DANCE not the person you like best.

[Rod B]

This is just another example of those in a priviledged position declaring that the 'general public' are just too stupid to have an opinion!
Look at any politician or business leader who is in favour of E.U membership. They don't want 'us' to vote because we will not vote the way that they want.
I think I understand why John has resigned and don't blame him, but this programme has lost all credibility. Stop watching folks. The advertisers will desert the program and the judges can get back to the obscurity from whence they came.

[catherine Pates]

He should never be allowed to leave. He started this competition older, larger and less supple than all of the other dancers. Through his personality and entertainment factor he has rendered that as unimportant. The judges have their say and are paid for saying it, the country vote to keep hima in and pay for the privelege. Don't allow him to be bullied.

[Grahame M inman]

I am very surprised by John Sergeant's decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing. It was obvious that the general public wanted him to stay in the competition otherwise they would not have voted for him in such massive numbers. I think that by deciding to leave, John has let his public down and submitted to the flagrant bully boy tactics of certain judges and sore losers; you know who you are.
So what if John Sergeant won the competition, this would be down to what the public wants. If this is deemed to be wrong then I can only assume that the public will not be allowed to vote on the next series, if there is one.
I for one won't want to watch a show where bullies rule, OK, and I would hope that all of John Sergeants's many supporters would boycott the show if he leaves.

[Ian Burt]

I respect his decision - what a gent! However, he's gonna be missed a lot. John is a REAL entertainer and doesn't take himself too seriously.

[Aggie]

I’m very sorry to see John go!!!!
I don’t understand why????????
The program is for AS viewers!! All contenders are not professional dancers,
like John and we are spending ours money to vote for couple to win.
For BBC give advise next time don’t ask for opinions (votes) in programs from as if don’t respecting our choices.

[Cat]

Have I got this wrong? Isn't it the VIEWER'S choice who stays and goes? The judges are getting to big for their pumps and need reminding who pays their over-inflated fees. JS may not have been my favourite but I defend the right of the viewer PAYING to keep him in...

[julie]

I think it is very sad John has left,he was net the greatest of dancers but at least he came back each week ,after the slagging off from the judges & kept smiling,not like some of them who end upi tears!!.The judges are wrong to say he kept other good dancers out.Even if John was kicked off the first show we would still be looseing great dancers as this year has been the best ,so John KEEP DANCEING!!!!

[Amy]

i think that he sholud have left coz he cant dance and it aint entertaining to watch

[Pat]

Its about time the judges and Bruce Forsythe realised the public pay their wages and a licence fee.This is not Come Dancing, it is light family entertainment. Stop taking it so seriously. John has been made to feel guilty by them all. Sad to see him go and wont be watching again.

[Kevin]

Please don't believe that any of the celebrities are doing this out of the kindness of the heart. It has been made aware that the professional dancers are receiving about £30,000 to be on the show and the celebs are getting double that! It the same as the jungle one where it is claimed it is for charity and each celeb gets £100,000 for that. As they say "Charity begins at home!"

[Ian Burt]

I respect his decision, what a real gent he is. The show's not gonna be the same without him though. He's a REAL entertainer.

[Pam]

John, you did the right thing, to many good dancers have already gone, shame Cherie went on Sat. You made me laugh but l still think it is a dancing comp.May the best dancer win.

[Graham C. Vaudin]

John was absolutely correct in resigning; his standatd of dancing was so much below that of the other contestants that most of the time it was embarassing to watch him.[Mind you it gave us a good laugh].I've only seen one dancer recently who was worst than John, and that was Wogan in the Children in Need programme.
It's about time that the supercilious,self opionated Len Goodman resigned along with John: as a judge he is useless.