On ITT tonight John Sergeant hit back at the judges criticism of his dancing. After listening to Craig's demolition of his Cha Cha, saying it was rubbish, and wishing John had been eliminated then John had his say. He said if Craig didn't understand the rules of the show, whereby the viewers influence the final result, then Craig should review his position as to whether he should stay as a judge.

What John says is correct, strictly speaking, but is his retention in the show a good thing?
On dancing ability, no.

Sod "dancing ability", John is a legend.

John was brilliant, I can see more votes coming his way after that.

OK, then let's just have a bunch of boring pro dancers do exhibition dances all the time.

You know what? It's been done and it DIED!

I loved the look on Craig face when John reminded him of the rules of the show, it was proceless and made me laugh.

I am not actually voting for John and am a Tom fan but I have to say I do enjoy watching John & Christina each week, I always feel relaxed and smile. The others are so competitive and those 2 just come out and enjoy their time on the floor

Craig really shouldn't try and take on John in an intellectual debate, he's going to lose. John is intelligent, articulate and humorous, all the things Craig is not.

But again, great tv if you want the viewing figures and column inches to rise!

agreed, there is much discussion on one of the other threads about the size of John's ego but i think he put in a nutshell what I have always believed which is that if you are on a show where 50% of the final score is down to the GBP then you should abide by their decision with no argument. If you don't agree with it then don't appear on the next series, can't see craig turning down all that easy money, can you?

Are you talking about Come Dancing?

If so you are way off - all the dancers apart from the pro demo each show were amateurs - not professionals, and some of them were really brilliant... like a certain Karen Hardy and Ian Waite......

Der Chef says

umm "John Strikes Back" I like the sound of that its like the Star Wars trilogy.

we could then have

*"Return of the camp West end choreographers only famous for SCD and one appearence in a Royal variety performance circa 1982"

Ohh Yeah

*Or is that too long winded

And that's why people vote, they are probably encouraging more people to take up dance classes than any of the others.

Craig just stoked the fire for more column inches.

John knows how to use the media and he's playing a blinder. Craig is just helping all this along.

Remember the more the papers and tv talk about it, the viewing figures go up as people will tune in next week to enjoy the row.


The BBC are loving this.

nope, that's sounds great, i'll buy the popcorn, you get the fanta (orange of course.no ice)

John who could stand up against a prime minister can stand up against Borewood. SCD6 is no longer boring now.

Amateur/ pro. Whatever....

Come Dancing DIED!

It died because yer average punter doesn't just watch it for the dance. I had plenty of opportunity to watch CD but I never did.

Because I found it boring.

Craig deserves everything he gets after saying that John is just being humiliated by staying on the show.

What an odious remark

Anyone who tries to take on John in a debate, on TV, is just silly.

Take a look at the man's career for heaven's sake. The only worthy opponents would be David Frost or Paxman!

It's all good...in the sense that the show thrives on mild controversy.

Irrespective of outward appearances, the judges, cast, pros and producers are all working together and playing their part to make people tune in. If some viewers get off on the 'conflict', it doesn't actually matter if it's not real...all concerned are going to play up to that...and rightly so.

John is a legend when it comes to politics but he's in lethargy land, when it comes to dancing.

Paxman was at last year's final. Perhaps he could a special Newsnight review of Strictly.

Add to that Kristina, who must be pulling in quite a number of male votes, and John is invincible.

He won't get my votes though.

Why did the original Come Dancing finally fail? Because it got boring, repetitive and predictable. John's participation in Strictly is funny, entertaining, and you have to admire the bloke persevering amidst all the criticism, and showing good humour throughout. The show needs people like John as much as it needs the better dancers. Hooray for John!

I am thrilled by tonights ITT. Claudia's face was a picture as Craig obviously had no idea that John was listening, it was one of the great priceless moments of ITT/SCD. As someone has said before John's intellect is razor sharp and Craig was never going to win that one. I was also pleased to hear Clauds putting the record straight on how much training they have done. I didnt vote for John on Saturday because I wasnt sure they still wanted to be there but they SO obviously do so back to supporting them.

i think it was hilarious, Craig face during Johns rant was classic.
I didnt realise John was the same age as Arlene!

John rocks he brushed Craig aside like a gnat and he did it all in regular even diplomatic tones. Perhaps he should ask for Brucie's job!

John wiped the floor with Craig and I was cheering him on all the way.