Being German I had never heard of this John until I saw him in this program. I thought he would get voted out in the first week because he was a terrible dancer and worse than any one else, and I thought the public were supposed to vote for the best dancer. he should have gone long before.

Jennell Hartmann Sierakowiak,, London, England

Forget John Sargeant. Can we vote off Bruce Forsyth?

Terry Webb, Cowes, South Island

This is what is meant by people power. However the responses may be more emotive than objective. I think in this economic climate where many have fallen victims, there is a sense of anti-perfection, and support for the underdog. The people however need to ask themselves the aims of this program.

Andrew C, London, UK

In my opinion , there was no way for john Sergeant to morally win as if he had stayed in the competition and got to the final people would say he has made a mockery of the show, yet he quits and there's moaning that he shouldn't have quit.

Rory Canham, Peterborough, england

The show is based on public voting, yes i know dancing is the main point of the show but if people want to see great dancing all the time the show wont have it because right from the begining people should know he wont be great as he's OVER 60 yrs old!

Rory Canham, Peterborough, england

Gordon Harrison, judging dancing is not purely subjective. Dance has structure, and the experts know immediately whether postures, positioning and movement have been properly executed.
Artistic merit is subjective, but it can be measured against the artistic merit of others. See Torville and Dean!

Ed, London, UK

Judging dancing is purely subjective. Jumping higher, running faster, lifting heavier weights - these are measured. Dancing is only entertainment.

Gordon Harrison, Coventry, UK

I can't believe how carried away people are getting about this! He chose to quit the show, he wasn't pushed, it was HIS decision. I don't think he should have quit, I think he could have done a Kate G. and let the public know he didn't want to be voted! Dont blame the judges for doing their jobs!

Debs, Mid Glamorgan, South Wales

John was rubbish and should have been voted out weeks ago. The voting was a bit like watching the Eurovision Song Contest, which I believe all you brits hate, because countries don't vote for quality but for their "friends". I want to watch great DANCING on Saturdays. That is what Strickly is about

Thomas, London, United Kingdom

Everyone is lambasting the judges for bullying. They were doing their job commenting on his dancing. Which was pathetic. Thats not bullying! To those going to watch the x-factor, when your smiling at SImon Cowell laying into contestants i hope you see your own hypocrasy!

Chris Ward, Coventry, uk

I will not be watching on Saturday. John and Kristina made a charming partnership, improving week after week and inspiring others who might not think they were good enough to try dancing because he proved you don't have to be technically great as long as you have the right attitude.

Clementine, London ,

This is sad, are the judges happy that they've hounded John out of SCD. I enjoyed watching him and would have voted for him again and again.

Anne, nottingham,

When you hear John's statement in full he makes it quite clear that it was made untenable for him to stay. The judges were overtly offensive but only JOhn knows what he had to put up with behind the scenes.

Clementine, London ,

Well done John, you have done the honourable thing. I enjoyed watching you but felt so sorry for the competitors who are really improving week upon week but are being voted out of what isafterall a dancing competition, not a personality competition - I admire you even more for taking thisstance

jo, Forfar,

Oh deary me! this show will seriously be lacking the family entertainment value we have all experienced over the weeks my husband boycotted all reality shows until now & it took a while to explain why John has left to my 6 yr old! I feel as though i'm bidding farewell to a well loved pet!

Linda , Shrewsbury, England

BOYCOTT VOTING for the rest of the episodes - let's get some people power behind this. JS was great! Let's send a message to the B'b

James Froggatt, Hyde, United Kingdom

This was the first series I'd watched of Strictly, because of John, who gave us a bit of light in an otherwise depressing climate. Having heard these bullies on 'It Takes Two' back track and say how sad they are for John to leave, I won't be watching it again. The judges must be held responsible.

Karen, Cowplain, Hampshire

If Strictly Come Dancing is to maintain the lightness of touch of its well-conceived format, it needs to bring in a new panel of judges, and Bruce Forsyth should also step aside. The inept handling of the John Sargent issue poisoned the light-heartedness that is part of the show .

Wm Pender, Salisbury,

who said they were voting for John Sargeant I was voting for the hottest babe on the show ever KRISTINA RIHANOFF a superstar in the making.

tony calder, London, UK

It appears to me that the judges want it all their own way - the popularity of a public contest and vote with their right of veto. They want to be the stars in control - John and the great british public for once usurped them!!
The show is a farce and and should go back to the 11.30pm midweek slot

Andy, warrington,

It's not a dancing competition. If it were there would be dancers, not 'celebrities' competing. It's an entertainment show & if the producers fail to bow to the will of the entertained they deserve to lose their audience.

Mikey, Bromley, UK

The good part: The public told "those who know better" where to get off.

The bad part: The public will do this for Strictly but not for the most incompetent charlatan of a PM that this country has ever had the misfortune to dictate over them.

Steve Buckel, Braunau-am-Inn, Austria

When the list of competitors is drawn up do the BBC decide to put in some people as "cannon fodder". This time it has backfired then. Surely the rules of the competition are that the viewers can vote for their favourite - after all the judges vote for their favourites!

Maureen , Falkirk, Scotland

Not everyone is backing John to 'teach the judges a lesson'. We are backing John because he is honourable, gracious, and didn't give up. He was funny, warm,and a breath of fresh air. Those qualities are admirable.Shame on those who couldn't see this.

Sarah Circo, Ralston, AB, Canada

We are encouraged to vote for our favourite contestant, yet because we like him he has to resign... The judges were rude to a gentleman with a great personality. Sergeant goes whilst Ross stays, what sort of example is this ? Responsible broadcasting ? What IS going on at the Beeb ?

Mary York, York, UK

It's not good enough for the BBC to say they'll refund any money spent on voting for John. Essentially they are saying that if we vote the way they want then they keep all the money and the result stands, otherwise they impose the result they want and refund some of the money.

John, Manchester,

Sad he has left, he was the only reason I bothered watching it. The show, and particularly the judges take themselves far too seriously - the only thing they are good at are throwing insults. It's supposed to be entertainment, well that's gone now so why bother continuing with the show.

Colin, Saint Goussaud, France

What a lot of nonsense. Yes, JS is a gentleman; no, he can't dance and yes, he should have darned well stayed in and faced the music - it's what he signed up for. Judges are professional dancers - if he was a rubbish dancer, why couldn't they say so! Public should have the sense to vote him off.

Gillian Wray, Whiteley, Hampshire

This show has always been about the best, most improved dancer winning. Mark Ramprakash's dancing was superb! So John did the gentlemanly thing, forced upon him by the mass of voters, not by the judges. The public put him in an untenable position, saving him whilst better dancers got voted off.

Sue, Mojacar, Spain

Who remembers Jullian Clary and Kenny Logan? They had two left feet. What made me mad was, the judges did not give them the hard time they have given John. Even worse, Kenny Logan thought he was good.

v. paterson, glasgow,

For gods sake: one moment people are saying it's all just a laugh and some entertainment, next you're comparing it to severe human rights infringements in Zimbabwe!

It's simple. He couldn't dance, fine at first, fun to watch, then he was chosen over far better dancers and it was time to leave.

Amy, Southampton,

John should not have to go. Strictly is not just a dancing competition, but a reality TV show. That's why the audience is high. The criteria is partly dancing but also personality. I object to one dancer telling us what criteria to vote on. Unless he wants to pay my bill, I'll vote however I want.

Louisa Kay, Lancaster, UK

The BBC is destined for more bad press after John Sergeant's resignation. If the viewers' votes count for nothing, the rules must be changed. The programme thought it okay to make fun of John but weren't happy when it backfired. Sorry you've gone John - you're cleverer than all the panel!

Jenny Robson, Southport, England

I have to say that I found John's performance refreshing and he was far funnier than Bruce Forsyth who gets paid to be funny and clearly isn't. Hopefully he will follow in John's footsteps.
Dancing Pig indeed, Arlene should take a look in her own mirror.
What bullies the judges are.

lynda, Liverpool,

well this just ties in with England today, doesn't it? The BBC government broadcaster tells you what to say, what to think, and who to vote for. I certainly hope lots of people at least stop watching, but unfortunately people will probably just do as they're told :(

Layla Jenkins, Hampton, UK

Shame on the BBC. If they want a talented dancing competition, maybe they should bring back "Come Dancing." SCD for me is about entertainment - enjoying the efforts of the not so talented while appreciating the dancing prowess of the profefessionals. John and Kristina embodied this perfectly.

Diana, Luton,

Bullied? John was being supported by a mass of infantile people who wanted to keep "teaching the judges a lesson" Don't they understand the word "judge"? These people have a problem both with authority and the pursuit of excellence Do they side with their children against teachers? Probably.

Jane Palmer, Reading, Berks

It's a celeb popularity contest, not a dance contest, and people would do well to remember that. You cannot have a public vote and then whine that you dont like the contestant people choose. It's yet another fix, and I for one shall watch no more.

Alastair Johnson, Alicante, Spain

Perhaps it is a reflection of over-hyped critics against a gentleman - maybe we should have a vote of John Sergeant vs the (highly paid) critics.
John -(I don't suppose you will read this) - but - what a gentleman - what a wonderful response - you will emerge with far more dignity than the critics

Les Booth, Malvern,

How can anyone see this show in the same light again.
The judges have got what they wanted, a real sport bite dust through no fault of his own, kristina supporting JS all the Way. What a girl. But also poor old - Should be Sir - Bruce, who knows true grit when he sees it.
won't watch more

Paul Perry, Ticehurst, England

Very sad to see entertainment having to give notice and step down out of an entertainment show. I thought the idea was to applaud people who improved and to 'vote for your favourite'
John and his partner provided good, amusing family entertainment that the public obviously enjoyed.

Val, yorkshire,

I am sad to see John go - The judges need to wake up - this was a celebrity dance competition to entertain the public not a serious dance show - John provided good entertainment and was bullied off the show by the judges. Shame on them!

Dom Vye, St Martins, Guernsey

Have the judges used this to hype Strictlys appeal. If so I think they've failed. The real draw until now has been the willingness to give the underdog a go. But with comments like "a dancing pig" I think they will have lost many faithful fans. Shame on you all and I for one have lost interest.

Antoinette, Newcastle,

I applaud John's decision which makes him more of a gentleman than some. However, it IS A DANCE COMPETITION and not a popularity contest. If it were, then John would certainly have been the winner. I look forward to seeing him in his "bowing out" dance on Saturday.

Kaye Shrubb, Goldhanger, United Kingdom

It is striking how the judges have changed their tune. For two weeks they have called the dance-off a "travesty" . Now they are all sad to see Sargeant go. Craig's remark that he didn't have the courage to continue is simply outrageous. Why didn't the judges resign over the "travesty"?

Ian Parry, Fajoles, France

Sad to see John go I think perhaps he should have stayed but I can understand how he felt.
The BBC needs to look at getting some fresh judges on this show they are in danger of becoming too big for their own good and using the show as a boost to their ego's and flagging careers.
All the best John.

Dave Proctor, Idle, West Yorkshire

I am in support of both their amazing efforts and John enjoying dancing with Kristina so much. Here are my marks.
John - 10, 100% effort, progressing nicely, enjoying learning experience, excellent.
Kristina - 10, wow, motivational.
Judges - 0, for negative influence.
Bruce n Tess to mark.

Craig, Dudley,

Zimbabwean democracy alive and well at the BBC. Viewers votes obviously count for nothing and the "hideous" judges can force competitors to quit the show! SHAME ON YOU ALL AT THE BEEB AGAIN!!!!!!!

DAVID KAY, HOYLAKE, England

Does Cherie Lunghi get to go back in? How does it work now that John has gone - they will reach the final a week early!!

Think John may have done the gracious thing, but if I were a voter I would be tempted to vote for the lowest scores from now on just to annoy the judges.

Ella Smith, Bognor, UK

John's position in the show was made unbearable by the bullying of the judges and by the bad attitude of others connected to the show. I found John very enjoyable to watch and will miss him and kristina. This has embarassed the BBC once again, the format of the show will have to change!

Keith Arkley, swansea, wales

That's it. Having watched every series - I am now tuning to an alternative channel on Saturday nights. Amongst all the bad news and current economic depression, John and his dancing was the one moment of true entertainment and laughter during the week. What a great shame.

Lindsay, Camberley, Surrey

John has such a calm manner with a brilliant personality. He has been in the show to entertain the british public and that is what he has done. We will all miss him when he bows out.

Stella, Wymondham Norfolk, England

Well what do we do now? Lets vote for the couple with the lowest marks and vote for JS as BBC Sports personality of the year.

Martin Kearns, St Etienne du Bois, France

John made the right decision. I am really sad to see him go but he has had enough. Strictly now needs to worry as not many people is going to watch the show. It is just an entertainment show and not a dance competition.

Honey, Purley, Surrey

I'm livid. By the vary nature of the show they always have a plumptious one or someone who can't dance & they're voted off after 2 or 3 weeks. Well they reckoned without John Sargeants charisma, I thought he was funny & really entertaining. I won't watch again.

ruth muckle, runcorn, cheshire

John Sergeant entertained people and that was why they voted for him. We watch TV to be entertained. It's as simple as that.

Michael Fryer, Bradford,

Strictly Come Dancing has just lost the warm, slightly portly heart of its show. Everyone's going to miss you so much, John.

Jennifer, Dundee,

perhaps this incident means that the show has run its course and at the end of this series its very nicely laid to rest- good while it lasted etc etc- it just isnt worth this sort of hysteria

if they choose to keep it - replace the judges next year- theyve been appalling towards some competitors

cathy, lIverpool,

Let's try and still see the fun side of all this-but in actual fact-The BBC really must take some blame for any misunderstanding-plse not our non-dancing Political Expert!

William Grierson, Kimpton, UK

It is nobody's fault, and very sad to end in this manner.
The format of the show has needed changing from the first series because it is plainly absurd that talented celebs who are really working hard and improving should be eliminated by the public voting for reasons other than dancing.

Bryan Stanion, Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece

Why couldn't the BBC chill out and create a "judges prize" so that if John won - so what; we 'd all have been happy. Now the fun has gone and I shan't be watching.

Janet Baldock, Stockbridge,

Robert Mugabe will be delighted - a total vindication of his views on democracy.

Ken Leyland, Liverpool, U.K.

John has been a gentleman and entertaining throughout, however many people do watch for the dancing and have felt that we should vote for our favourite 'dancers'. I can not afford to vote for every other pair to counteract thouse who think John is a laugh. He should be leaving but not like this.

Sine, Colchester, Essex

The public can't win with televisual democracy. The popular vote has failed to deliver the 'right' result and so the judges intervened. Why should the public bother to vote?

David, Durham,

It is disgraceful that JS should feel that he has to leave the show,he has provided so much entertainment. It is even more distasteful that the judges felt the need to become personal and offensive in their comments about him.
The biggest losers are the viewers.

Don Bennett, Glasgow, SCotland

I thought John was great - at the start. All the people voting for him should have realised how embarrasing/stressful it must have been for him, they were just voting 'for a laugh'. Yes it was entertaining, but after a while....enough is enough. Last weekend would have been the perfect time to end.

Mark, Aberdeen,

Whilst I have every empathy with John - Isn't this all getting a tad silly! This show is entertainment not about who dances the best; it is who entertains the best! You want serious competition then go to one - don't expect it on TV with viewers voting!

Mark, Cambridge, UK

About time he fell on his sword. It was all the other dancers I felt sorry for. All their training and improvement every week was becoming all for nothing. How can a dance competition be fair when the worst dancer gets voted through every week because people like him. Now for a proper winner.

John Morley, Seaford,

I applaud John Sergeant's decision and am delighted that he has had the decency to bow out gracefully. Yes, he gave a great deal of pleasure in the early rounds, but let us remember - this IS a dancing competition. I look forward to his final dance with the long-suffering Kristina!

Melanie, London,

If as they claim the judges are there only to judge the dancing then why do they have to resort to calling the dancers names and bullying them .They are not there to do that.
Disgraceful behaviour which is not called for.
I for one will not be watching or voting.

Dave Moore, derby, England

So JS wasn't the perfect ballroom dancer but that isn't what the show is about! don't give the public their say if you don't want their opinion. I thought it was about trying your best..... and that is just what he did! Well done BBC you have ruined another show!

Matt, Aldermaston, UK

john sergeant has been bullied out of the competition by the judges. obviously he wasn't the best dancer but 10 out of 10 for effort and entertainment. i have lost all respect for the judges and the programme as a whole. john did the noble thing and walked away. i won't be watching again.

steve, exeter,

None of these programmes are worth watching. They are complete waste of licence fee payers' money. Send the judges back to the obscurity where they belong before Peter Mandelson gets invited to appear.

P Thomas, St Helens, UK

Vanessa, you're wrong. The show is about ENTERTAINMENT. If not, why give it a prime time slot on a Saturday evening and have it hosted by Bruce Forsyth. Sadly, the judges seem to have forgotten this and I am very angry that John Sergeant has been bullied off the show.

colin, London, UK

What a disgrace that John has been forced out. A grat pity as he and Kristina have been like a breath of fresh air and have given thousands a great deal of pleasure, maybe not the dancing but definitely the personality

Anne, Birmingham,

Strictly come dancing will not be my viewing this Saturday. Maybe watch Christine and no other. For goodness sake get a bit of wit it is an entertainment show not the be and end all.At least he went out in his time not the judges.

mary marley, belfast, northern ireland

I am sorry John Sergeant has been put in a position where he has had no choice but to leave. Strictly Coming Dancing needs to rethink and remember this is family entertainment and without the viewers there is no programme. Good luck to John a true gentleman.

Sue, Bath, United Kingdom

I think most people who voted for him forgot the show is about dancing! clearly John is not the best at it and doesn't deserve to be there. If it was a personality contest then I'm sure he would win. By John leaving it shows these people what it is meant to be about.

Vanessa, Aldridge, UK

If the programme makers want the public to make the final vote, then they should stick to those rules!! Shame on the programme ... I have lost faith in it. I am sorry John has left but respect and admire him for the reasons he has left. He is a true gentleman .. unlike many connected with the show.

Mandy, London,

If this was purely a dancing competition, why let the non-expert public vote? JS isn't responsible for the fact that the public voted for him. He jas come out of this with dignity and good crace, unlike the judges and some other competitors.

Richard, Manchester,

I think this is a great shame. It is an entertainment show and if the judges think that it is a dancing competition then how many of the audience are expert dancers. Judges should not bully.

Vivien Woods, Leyland, Lancashire

It was his choice to accept the invitation, it's his choice to leave. Either take the flak and stay or just bow out.

He should have voiced his wish not to be voted for, indicating he'd had enough. Much like Kate did the year before.

The judges ONLY judge on dancing merit. NOT entertainment value.

Darren Ward, Manchester, UK

As soon as telephone voting on tv shows becomes trustworthy, contestants get bullied off anyway. Whatever happend to democracy?

CS, London,

Sack the judges

derek, liverpool, uk

The school yard bullies are alive and well and sitting at the judges table on strictly they should be ashamed of themselves but they wont because their egos are bigger than any talent they may think they have.

samuel , carrick,

About time. Obviously that portion of the British public whose hatred and jealousy of real talent and success cause them to vote for John each week will be upset. These people would vote for a dancing poodle and claim that was the essence of democracy.

Steve Murphy, Bolton, UK

What is wrong with everyone? All the celebs get competely caught up in the competition and train very hard to improve their dancing. Yes it is an entertainment programme but it is mostly a dance programme and he can't dance! He's had a laugh and now he's done the honourable thing - well done to him.

Caz, Swansea,

I am very sad. I adore the show, with or without him, but he gave it that added sparkle. The judges have hounded him off. If you want to change the character of the show, next time round have judges views only. They have been exceptionally rude and should feel responsible. Why should we vote?

Susan Dyer, Woodbridge, UK

The judges and james have wasted a good show. I and my family will no longer watch this charade - its obviously fixed if the judges have their way

Ian Strachan, Uddingston, Scotland

It's the first series I've watched - and now the last. I dont care who wins, but I do find JS the most entertaining performer on the show. It's a pity the only non-celebrity in the cast - and obviously the most popular - has been forced to leave. It's all far too serious, and now much less fun!

Guy, Bath,

The poor man has been bullied and was left in a very awkward position! The judges have been so pompous and the fact that the Premium Rate callers pay their exorbitant (and unjustified) salaries seems to totally pass them by!!

Paul, Upminster, Essex

has anyone considered this is another BBC phone voting scam? Be mean to John, get the public paying for votes for the underdog! Him pulling out is not fair, public voted for him, will they get their money back if he doesn't continue?!

C, London,

what a great shame, well done john for having a go. it is supposed to be a family show,light entertainment etc. pity the judges did not see it that way!!!!!

ruth butler, tamworth, staffordshire

There is a clear lesson to be learned by the TV executives: Don't have a contestant on the show if you don't want them to have a chance of winning.

If I were an aspiring but less than proficient contestant I would think twice now.

David, St Albans, UK

It's a crying shame that John has to pull out from the competition. From now, I'lll be watching some other program rather than Strictly. I voted for John in reaction to the judges' brutish comments which pass as professional judgement.

Paul, Cheltenham,

I agree with Nathan - it's disgraceful how the judges spoke to him and it is they who should be leaving not John. At the end of the day it's a reality tv program which are supposed to be engaging and fun and that's exacty what John was. I will not watch any more of this series, it's a disgrace!!!!

Martyn, London,

I think he's made the right decision. It is the public who should be ashamed - they kept him in while his dancing was pathetically poor compared to the other contestants. He must have felt very flattered by the public support but it is a "dancing" competition and he just couldn't dance.

Sheila, Altrincham, England

Outrageous!!!! This is an entertainment show not a professional dancing contest. JS trained every week just as all the others did only to be verbally abused and bullied by the judges. Bravo John, you have shown more integrity in your little finger than the whole of that judging panel put together!

Dr Daniel Alete, Basel, Switzerland

If the producers want a show for talent why did they ask John to compete? its supposed to be an entertainment programme! Bring back the old Come Dancing if you want it to be a serious competition!

Hannah , London,

Len Goodman, the usually affable head judge, said Sergeant's success "made a nonsense of the show".

A bit of news for you Len...the show is a nonsense. It does however demonstrate how laughably seriously the judges come to take themselves.

Andrew, New York, United States

About time!
He should have done this weeks ago when he realised what was going on. "I'm a celebrity" has a similar issue. This was never about his entertainment value, it had become about seeing how frustrated the judges could get. At least now we can be assured of a reasonable level of dancing.

Andy Morrison, Manchester, UK

Not a dancer myself, don`t k now my left foot from my right, but I enjoyed the whole spectacle none the less. With John out by his own choice the appeal of it all has dissipated.

John Stewart, Livingston, Scotland

John has been "removed" for the benefit of the judges' egos, but I bet the ratings start falling now.

Steve, Warwick,

What a gentleman John is.
Pity the judges do not have the same high standards.

SC, Oxford, UK

It says something about the voting public that they prefer to vote for someone on the basis of someone making a fool of himself like this, its so sad. It may be about entertainment but its still a competition and deserves to be taken seriously by those taking part as well as those viewing.

Rob, W London,

I thought the whole point of this show was to take the viewers opinion, otherwise we have to return to that dull 70's format of the show. No thanks, unless, of course the BBC is to reduce the licence fee to 70's rates!

Iain McAdam, Enstone, UK

What a shame!!! Bad decision though John, you should have stayed in and won and rubbed it in their smug faces!! Wont be bothering to watch the show from now on that's for sure!

M, Dorking, UK

a great shame....the spoilt judges had a tantrum 'cos the public didn't vote the way they wanted and forced him to quit. Shame on you..

ana, Watford,

the judges are there to vote on what they see on the dancefloor, not on how entertaining a dancer is. Its not a question of if the competitor is entertaining, its about how well they can attempt to dance. Simple.

Rob, W London,

Playing entirely within the rules the delightful John and Kristina (hasn't she worked harder than anyone?) were perfectly entitled to carry on. Why ask the public their opinion if bullying is to win over charm and humour? It'd be easy to replace a spoilsport judge - JS is irreplaceable.

J Carol, Paris, France

Please let this be the death knell for this awful, incessant programme. It was always a heap of rubbish anyway, but now it looks like a po-faced, self-important heap of rubbish. Ballroom dancing is tacky and awful anyway.

J, Glasgow,

I dont remember this amount of concern shown when other celebrities where dancing ie those off the soaps and GMTV, but maybe it had something to do with their appearance and age. If the judges feel so strongly about the celebrities who have no real dancing ability then the rules should be changed.

Jean Hammond, Coventry,

I suggest every one watches this week and doesn't next this is
a form of censorship and is not what the judges were paid for
they can criticise contestants but not the public!

rogerb, bridport, uk

I do feel that John has done the right thing (the equivalent of a cowardly officer being left in a room with a loaded gun). It is a dance competition after all and it was sad to see highly talented people leaving ahead of him.

Valerie Brogan, Wareham,

Has everyone forgotten that this 'competition' is just for charity? Children in Need will be missing out!!!

Caroline, Dartford, United Kingdom

As Phil above, I can't stand the show, but I was going to call and vote for John this week too! I wonder if he's been "politely" requested to leave and is too much of a gentleman to say so.

I'd urge everyone to boycott voting from now on then! Clearly the opinion of Joe Public matters not......

Nic, Surrey, UK

Am is missing something? At the end of the day it is a dancing competetion and professional dancers are giving their time to train people to dance to be judged by professional dance judges. It has made a mockery of the show watching more talented dancers leave before John.

Joanna, Preston, UK

The judges should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves.

Phil

Phil, Aberdeen, Scotland

Sense prevails at last! As funny as he is, if I wanted to watch a comedy i would tune into one. However I chose to watch a dance show so I want to see dancing. Maybe now we can get back to what the show is actually about ... and incase any one wondered its about the best dancer winning!!

Marie, Northampton,

What a sham it has made of the show, It IS supoosed to be 50% public votes. The public have voted to keep John in and in he should stay until he is voted out. That is the rules, if the judges or other professional dancers don't like it then maybe we should be seeing others standing own.

Deb, Barnstaple,

The thing about John Sergeant is, he showed that dancing is as much about letting go and enjoying yourself as it is about technical excellence.

Joan, Guildford,

People (i.e. the judges and dancers) need to remember this contest is to raise money for Children in Need....how can people consistantly voting for a contestant and rasing money be a bad thing! Without the 'charity contest' the judges and dancers would not be taking home their hefty pay packet!

Hayley, stourbridge, UK

Has nobody told the judges - "it's only a television show"?

CA, Manchester, UK

I think it is a sad that he is leaving the show. I think the judges have been too hard on im. it only a bit of fun after all what does it matter if he not perfect. he was the one of the best things about the show. he did not take the show too serviously.
he not a professional dancer.

brenda conlan, peterborough, United Kingdom

Shades of Zimbabwe! If democracy produces an unwelcome result, ignore it - or force the winner out.

Richard, Chesterfield, UK

Would this not be a case of reverse faking call ins? It is a pubilc voting contest and, by BBC's standards this surely would be a faked contest now that the [public] favourite has made it clear they will step down contrary to [public] opinion??
I vote for yet another BBC enquiry!

thomas, london,

Well I rather feared that this would happen: that he would leave in far too gentlemanly a fashion, leaving it wide open for the judges etc to come up with ridiculous statements like 'We respect his decision'. Yeah, like you left him a choice!

Gina, Cheltenham,

A crying shame, we will miss you John, your a legend. Pity the judges didnt get forced to leave instead.

Bob dunnon, canterbury, kent

This was the result of bullying, pure and simple. These shows are all about fun and entertainment, but pushy judges couldn't take a popular contestant just having fun and not taking himself too seriously and had to use the media to slate him. There's no way I'll ever watch this again.

Mike, Bristol, United Kingdom

I can't believe the judges have managed to bully him out! He wasn't the best dancer by far, but was the most entertaining and I always looked forward to seeing his dances more than any of the others.

Alexis, London,

Did he jump or was he pushed?

I will now look forward to watching the X Factor.

Phil New, Heanor, England

What a sad country we are. He was bullied, isulted, shunned, just for being popular and entertaining. An all this on National TV. What an example to set for children and older people trying new things.
I VOTED ON SATURDAY AND WOULD LIKE A REFUND.
PREFERABLY FROM THE JUDGES WAGES

Chris, Preston, UK

It is a real shame that the judges have forced this issue in the way that they had. There is no requirement for the public to vote for the best dancer or for who entertained them the most. I fear this is the end of strictly if the judges think they have the right to overrule the public like this.

Joshua, London,

I think it is a disgrace that poor John has been forced to leave the show! The producers should either stop inviting contestants which will be of entertainment value or do not allow the professionals and judges to get away with such comments. It is horrible to watch!!!

Sue, Derry, Ireland

I think has all been very badly handled by the BBC and judges. I do feel the decision has ultimately been forced on John. Now it feels like we're being told that if we don't like who you vote for, we'll come up with other ways to get him out! I used to watch and vote on SCD every week; no more!

Kelly, Glasgow,

I am greatly saddened that John has felt the need to withdraw from the competition as he was the delight of every strictly week and became the only reason we watched and voted for him .The sad thing is he played by the rules of the competition was virtually bullied ,Im sure he was asked to compete!!

charrion, Wales, UK

I agree a huge shame. But at least he has a worthwhile day job unlike all the other contestants and judges who, imho, are the real losers

Ellie, Gloucester,

What a shame, he provided a real element of entertainment to a show that was supposed to be all about entertainment. The judges but even more importantly the other contestants should be thoroughly ashamed of their behaviour towards John & Kristina after last weeks show.

Steve , Milton Keynes, UK

What a joke, all those people who have voted for him now deserve their money back! If suddenly people can just Quit under pressue of winning, it makes a mockery of everyones hard earned cash voting! Surely this should be illegal?

John Quinlan, Bracknell, England

The public should decide who is most entertaining, and every week they have voted him as exactly that! Now, it seems like the judges have succeeded in bullying him off the show. What the judges are saying is that if you can't dance like a pro, you're not good enough!hardly encouraging for beginners!

Hayley, Guildford, UK

Nooooooooo! JS was the best thing about the show - the moment he dragged Kristina across the dance floor like a sack of spuds was the funniest thing I've seen on TV in ages. I'm sorry that he has felt obliged to bow to the pressure from the judges - I'm sure he has a lot of support from the viewers

Jo, Leeds,

If the judges hadn't kept going on about him, the public would have stopped voting for him a lot earlier.
Now, there's a lot of people who paid money to keep him in who have effectively been robbed, and there's a funny old man being hounded out for no reason

LS, london, uk

What a great shame. So those bullying judges have won. Another BBC programme that I will stop watching.

Veronika, Hampshire,

I think this is totally the right thing for him to do. The other dancers, who are much better than him and want to win so much more, deserve the chance to compete equally.

Becky, Basingstoke, UK

Did the BBC put any pressure of financial inducement to persuade John to leave?
Will they now be reimbursing all viewers who voted for John?

Ken Terry, Tonbridge, UK

John is a gentleman and has done the gallant thing. He has risen above those who enticed him on to the show in the hope of ridiculing him. Well done John; I'll be saving my 15p this weekend.

Geoff Davies, Crewe,

nooooooo- sack the judges! disgraceful bbc....i wont ever watch this show again this series... its not fun anymore.

Nathan, London,

Well that is a great shame as he was probably the best thing in it! I think the judges who bullied him out and the professional dancers who ranted on about it feel satisfied that they've managed to push out a genuinely funny and brilliantly entertaining man.
I'll miss his quips!

Jane, Newcastle,

Thats a shame, even though i have'nt seen this programme so far, my colleagues and I were going to vote for him this week. !!

phil barnes, chicherster, uk