John Sergeant quits Strictly

John Sergeant, former ITV political editor, has quit Strictly Come Dancing, after a three-day attack from the programme's judges over his continuing presence on the show.

Dubbed the 'dancing pig', the 64-year-old has decided to pull out of this year's show – despite being favourite to take the dance title – after the severity of criticism from the judging panel.

In a statement, Sergeant 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.'

Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, who led the onslaught against the dance contender, commented on the news saying: '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.'

When asked if Phillips felt responsible for Sergeant's departure she replied: 'Not really. If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme.'

While she admitted that the former political correspondent had provided the public with many 'funny, funny moments' there was no doubting that the judges were becoming increasingly frustrated with his continuing success on the show.

Sergeant continued his statement saying: 'It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible.'

He thanked Russian dance partner Kristina Rihanoff and 'all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series'.

Earlier today it was revealed that BBC bosses had made a change in the rules to stop dancers like Sergeant getting so far in future competitions.

The new rules mean a contestant who finishes bottom of the judges' leader board three weeks in a row will be automatically ejected, without the chance to save themselves in a dance off.

A source told the Daily Express, 'Rule changes are definitely afoot for the next series and the one that is being discussed would certainly please the judges because it would give them more power.'

The new rules won't come into play until the next series, but Sergeant has already decided to take matters into his own hands and quit the show.

If the news has brought a tear to your eye, don't panic, Sergeant will make his final appearance on Saturday night's show before taking his final bow.