A very Strictly saga

20 Nov 08

The BBC has received more than 2,000 complaints from Strictly Come Dancing viewers over the shock departure of contestant John Sergeant.

The 64-year-old political correspondent decided to leave following being repeatedly saved from eviction by the public vote despite coming bottom of the score table. As a result the more talented dancers were being sent home from the competition. The judging panel had criticised the public for keeping Sergeant on the show, saying that what started as a "joke" vote is no longer funny.

After withdrawing from the competition Sergeant said in a press conference he had decided to quit while he was ahead. "There was a real danger I could win the show. Even for me that would be a joke too far," he added. 

The BBC has said the journalist will appear to perform a farewell dance with his partner, Kristina Rihanoff, on Saturday's live BBC1 edition of the show.

Jay Hunt, BBC1 controller has confirmed that the public who have voted for John will be reimbursed for their phone call costs.

John Sergeant's leaving message