Breaking news - John Sergeant pulls out of Strictly Come Dancing

Within the last hour The Press Assocation has reported that John Sergeant is pulling out of the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing competition show.  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."

So, John does the honourable thing; that's good old-fashioned BBC standards for you.  (Let's see more of them.)  John has charmed and he has entertained, but it really is time to let the competition proper take over.

Judge Arlene Phillips has claimed that John does not put in the effort of the other contestants when in training and that he "sits and reads the Guardian".  For someone with two left feet, it seems appropriate reading.

John and his Russian dance partner Kristina Rihanoff will perform a farewell dance during this Saturday's show.  Rule changes are afoot for next year: if a couple finishes at the bottom of the leader board as a result of the judges' marks, for three weeks in a row, they will be out.

And finally, dare I say it, but the production team has set itself up for this controversy by allowing Bruce Forsyth to constantly encourage viewers to "vote for your favourites" as opposed to "vote for the best dancers".  Is it pure entertainment or a dancing competition?  I am with the latter and I still think Colin Jackson was robbed a couple of years ago.  Not that I'm bitter...

Comments

[Maxine]

I have not seen the programme but have been following the "controversy" in the press and at Random Jottings blog. I am sure that the BBC has been enjoying the publicity and the ratings, whatever the outcome. (Well, we know what that is now that JS has withdrawn.) I like your joke about the Guardian and the left feet, very funny, I'm still giggling!
(PS Currently "suffering" Eng v Germany - at least home team (for this part of world) winning so far, so atmosphere reasonable.)

[Anne Brooke]

Yes, I'm sorry about it - I really like John S and I think he's been grossly bullied by the judges. He goes with dignity and I have that much more respect for him though. Puts the silliness of the competition (which I do love, btw!) into perspective for sure.

Axxx