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Greytop's News Special - John leaves Strictly!


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Old 20-11-2008, 01:20
CutlersGal
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The BBC was facing a ballroom blitz last night as fans boycotted Strictly Come Dancing over John Sergeant’s walkout.

The switchboard was flooded with complaints from viewers claiming he was bullied off the show. And thousands more went online to rage about their hero’s decision to quit. Heidi Thomas McGann wrote on Facebook group John Sergeant To Win Strictly Come Dancing 2008: “I’m appalled. He has been bull-ied and hounded into this.” And Mary Auld, of Southport, added: “Everybody should boycott the show. “It should be taken off television. I won’t watch it again.”

The scandal grew more serious last night as MPs got involved. Tory Nigel Evans said: “I can’t see what the logical reason is for John to go. I hope there is not a smoking gun in any of the top executives’ hands on this. “John Sergeant was hugely popular and any attempt to elbow him out would be a complete disgrace.”

And business secretary Lord Mandelson even issued a statement urging him not to quit, calling the former political pundit “the people’s John Travolta”.

John was mauled week after week by the judges, who felt his fans were not taking the contest seriously. The 64-year-old said he quit to avoid a “bloody battle” as the series headed towards its climax. And he revealed he was terrified he would actually end up winning.

John blamed bitching from judges Arlene Phillips, 64, Craig Revel Horwood, 41, Bruno Tonioli, 52, and Len Goodman, 64, for his decision. He added: “It is like when you leave a party when the music stops. You leave before a fight starts.

“It became increasingly obvious I may have won the competition because there was no other viable Stop Sergeant candidate. “It is a terrifying thought and it would have been a very bittersweet victory.”

Head judge Goodman said of one routine: “That was more ha-ha-ha than cha-cha-cha. If somebody deserving gets knocked out because the public like you, it makes a nonsense of the show.” Arlene Phillips even called him a “dancing pig in Cuban heels”.


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Old 20-11-2008, 06:25
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http://timesonline.typepad.com/schoo...days-stri.html

I watch Strictly Come Dancing with my daughter, who is six. She understands how the programme works. It's on a voting system - the judges get half the votes, and the public gets the rest. What could be clearer, and what more fun? It means the public get a real say in what happens - whether the judges like it or not.

Despite all the kerfuffle over this (in today's Times, Phil Collins called for Sergeant to pull out and claimed he wasn't entertaining. I would completely disagree), it's completely and utterly fair. All the dancers know that they are in a competition whereby they need to impress the public and the judges. Both are vitally important. You can be a great dancer, but if the public don't like you, or you don't come across as fun or sympathetic (see Rachel Stevens and her partner Vincent Simone two weeks ago or Gabby Logan in the last series), you are in danger of going out. If the public didn't have a say, the show would lose a huge part of its appeal.

I am, therefore, incredibly disappointed that all the pressure put on John Sergeant seems to have persuaded him to pull out. This makes a travesty of a television programme which had very clear rules and sends a poor message to the children of this country! Yes, I know I sound like I'm on a very high horse, but Strictly Come Dancing is watched by millions of kids. Today they have learnt that people can whinge on and on about rules even though those rules couldn't be less ambiguous, and seen bullying have its desired result. Neither are good lessons to learn, especially during anti-bullying week
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Old 20-11-2008, 06:49
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http://www.hecklerspray.com/john-ser...php#more-17320
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Old 20-11-2008, 06:53
layumba
 
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http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...ig-trots-.html

John Sergeant's last dance: Backlash against the BBC ...
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Old 20-11-2008, 08:50
woofer3
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I am no fan of this programe whatsoever but at least I did watch it when John was on as it suddenly became entertaining and really funny. Surely this is the whole point of it all.

Why on earth are these judges so serious about it, I thought it was for charity. There's little enough entertainment on the box as it is - god forbid we should let any more seep in.

Pathetic, - it's the judges who should be leaving.
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Old 20-11-2008, 09:06
Greytop_1967
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JOHN Sergeant waltzed off Strictly Come Dancing yesterday — saying there had been a “real danger” he might win.
The veteran political journalist announced he was pulling out of the show after weeks of controversy.

The four judges had grown exasperated that the public kept voting for him while more talented rivals were sent home.

But at a bizarre press conference, John, 64, said he felt the joke had “worn thin”.

Denying he was bullied out, he said he wanted to avoid a “bloody battle” and was going back to his “rather quiet life”.

John — partnered by Russian dancer Kristina Rihanoff — said it was a “frightening thought” he might have won, adding: “I didn’t want that to happen because it would have been a very bittersweet victory.”

Referring to his years of election reporting, he said: “The problem was there was no viable Stop Sergeant candidate.”

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...cle1950502.ece
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Old 20-11-2008, 09:08
Greytop_1967
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Newsnight’s Jeremy Paxman, who was at the press conference, said it was “odd” to withdraw from an entertainment show for being too entertaining.

Strictly host Bruce Forsyth said: “I feel sorry for John. He must have felt guilty.”

Business Secretary Lord Mandelson said: “John has become the people’s John Travolta.”

Tory leader David Cameron said: “I am devastated. Strictly won’t be the same without him.”

Judge Arlene, asked if she felt responsible for the departure, said: “Not really. We’ve actually been quite nice.”

Earlier John’s partner Kristina had hit back at the judges, insisting he was not lazy.

Last night 80 per cent of readers in a Sun online poll said they wanted him to stay.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...cle1950502.ece
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Old 20-11-2008, 09:15
cymrugirl
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Ian Burrell: Strictly scandalous – Beeb short-changes viewers again

http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion...n-1026307.html

with a mention of DS and DgembaDgemba
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Old 20-11-2008, 10:09
layumba
 
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Celebrities including Cilla Black have come out in support of John Sergeant, who sensationally quit Strictly Come Dancing on Wednesday.
http://www.whatsontv.co.uk/reality/s...departure/4434
Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live, Cilla said she had been 'shocked and stunned' by the news adding that she believed John had 'bowed to the pressure' of being publicly insulted by the BBC1 show's judges who feared that viewers favoured John over stronger performers.

She said: "I think it is an absolute disgrace because it is a public show.

"It is supposed to be entertainment - so yes the judges judge on the dancing, but at the end of the day it is the public that pays money for the licence and it is up to them to judge who they want on the show."

"I am absolutely disgusted by the whole thing, John I love you."
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Old 20-11-2008, 10:42
layumba
 
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http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=936053

Overview of BBC Breakfast and the Wright Stuff 20 NOV
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Old 20-11-2008, 10:42
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http://www.heatworld.com/Article/806...pals+speak+out
John Sargeant’s decision to quit Strictly has created a right old stink – and now some of his dancing colleagues have spoken out to say what a shame they think it all is. Andrew Castle, who was voted off earlier this series, said the show would suffer without the big man with the big moves. “He played a brilliant game from beginning to end,” he said. "He leaves the programme undefeated, his flag flying high, and the programme will be worse off for it because at end of the day it's an entertainment show and some people have failed in a spectacular fashion to see that.” Fellow evictee Heather Small agreed it was a shame, but said she understood his decision. “I think that he's seen that he can't win with them [the judges] – even though he's winning with the public and they are very kind to him," she said. "He's great fun, he's put the show in show business on this show. And I think he's in a win-win position now, because he goes when he wants to go." Presenter Bruce Forsyth added that he’s “very sorry” about the decision. “He was put in the most awkward position, looking at the other dancers and knowing they were better than him," he said. John himself held a press conference last night, and explained his decision once again. “If the joke wears thin, if in fact people begin to take it very seriously, and if people really are getting so wound up that it's very difficult to carry off the joke, then I think it is time to go," he said. A political journalist holding press conferences about his inability to cha-cha? The world’s gone mad – and it’s all the more fun for it!
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Old 20-11-2008, 10:58
layumba
 
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http://www.mirror.co.uk/video/index....channel=Latest

Stars react to JS quitting video

Les Dennis and Louisa
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Old 20-11-2008, 13:51
cymrugirl
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Big Brother creator, Peter Bazalgette, talks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy about John Sergeant's Strictly resignation

http://www.channel4.com/news/article...tihero/2833392
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Old 20-11-2008, 15:41
layumba
 
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http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/7739920.stm

....But it didn't seem to bother the Saturday tea-time viewing public that the former political correspondent's abysmal dancing made David Brent look like Rudolf Nureyev.

He was their man. They would carry on voting for him to stay on the show no matter what the judges said. And when the bashful Sergeant himself bowed out of the contest, howls of protest reverberated in newspaper letters pages and internet messageboards across the nation.
.....Dr David Giles, a senior lecturer at the University of Winchester who specialises in the psychology of fame, suspects there was more at stake.

For him, Strictly Come Dancing's viewers had been growing increasingly sceptical about a format whose credibility had been dented by phone-in scandals.

In Sergeant - an imperfect everyman pitched against glamorous actors, singers and sports stars - they recognised themselves, and took the harsh words directed against him by the judges personally.

"There's a real sense of empowerment for the audience," .......
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Old 20-11-2008, 15:43
layumba
 
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Big Brother creator, Peter Bazalgette, talks to Krishnan Guru-Murthy about John Sergeant's Strictly resignation

http://www.channel4.com/news/article...tihero/2833392

"I think therefore his private reason for going, I'm speculation, may well have been that he didn't enjoy the dirty envious stares from his fellow competitors."


I wonder how much of that rumour is true
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:02
cymrugirl
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"I think therefore his private reason for going, I'm speculation, may well have been that he didn't enjoy the dirty envious stares from his fellow competitors."


I wonder how much of that rumour is true
I certainly got the impression at the end of ITT yesterday that there might be some truth to it. With saturday's events, the comments on monday's ITT and the group disco practice...it really wouldn't surprise me. I never believe in the old happy families shtick...I thought ballroom was notorious for it's cattiness

I remember years ago when a dancer commented on strictly ballroom when it just came out. It was along the lines of 'people think the movie's just a caricature...but it's reality!' They even mentioned being at a comp where another competitor had slashed someone's dress just to take them out of the comp! happy bunnies my butt
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:10
Greytop_1967
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John Sergeant announced that he was pulling out of Strictly Come Dancing yesterday over fears that he may end up winning the show.

The political journalist, who said the joke had gone "too far", proved immensely popular with the public, despite failing to score higher than 25 points from the judges during his nine-week stint.

Sergeant's performances with Kristina Rihanoff included a Waltz, a Tango, a Paso Doble and an American Smooth. Click along below to to see Sergeant's best bits in pictures.

Pictures http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...best-bits.html
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:12
Greytop_1967
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Andrew Castle has said that Strictly Come Dancing will suffer after John Sergeant's departure, adding that he leaves the show with his "flag flying high".

The political expert withdrew from the BBC contest yesterday amid fears that his soaring popularity might see him triumph over better dancers.

Castle, who was voted off the show earlier this month, told Radio 5 Live that some people were taking the programme too seriously.

"He leaves the programme undefeated, his flag flying high, and the programme will be worse off for it because at end of the day, it's an entertainment show and some people have failed in a spectacular fashion to see that," he said.

Show host Bruce Forsyth said he was shocked by Sergeant's decision, while judge Len Goodman said he thought it was the wrong choice.

However, fellow judge Craig Revel Horwood said the 64-year-old lacked courage for leaving the show, while professional dancer James Jordan said he believed it was a "selfish" act.

http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/strictly...worse-off.html
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:25
Greytop_1967
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Jolly John Sergeant quit Strictly Come Dancing yesterday just in time for an all-expenses paid Caribbean cruise.

John said he made his shock decision to waltz away from Strictly Come Dancing because he feared he might win it – and that would take the joke too far.

But show insiders yesterday said John’s jolly attitude masks the fact his success has caused seething resentment behind the scenes.

They said John, 64, had to endure snide remarks from some judges, who nicknamed him Eliot Ness after the Untouchables FBI agent because the public refused to boot him off no matter how badly he danced.

And some contestants allegedly grumbled he was given easy routines and believed his popularity had made him smug.

One source said the bickering left John feeling isolated and prompted his decision to quit.

The insider added: “Resentment towards John from some of the stars and their partners was growing as the weeks went by.

Full Story http://www.mirror.co.uk/celebs/lates...5875-20908946/
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:27
Greytop_1967
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Flat-footed John Sergeant can go on his long-booked cruise now he's walked out of Strictly Come Dancing.

Yet there's no denying his popularity with TV viewers who enjoyed laughing with him while laughing at irritated judges who wanted the old mover off the show.

Sergeant's luck would probably have run out one weekend so he's masterfully orchestrated a dignified exit.

The whole fandango is a reminder that Strictly and X Factor are entertainment rather than talent shows, and Sergeant certainly gave the country a great giggle.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/opinion/voic...5875-20910319/
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:33
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Strictly fans vote on a weekly basis to keep their favourite couple in the show in the hope they will see them return and compete the following week. This has been what has happened up until this point in the series. However, those viewers who voted for John last Saturday will not see him and Kristina come back to compete this Saturday for a chance to stay in the competition because of John's decision to leave, although they will perform a last dance in this week's show.

We recognise that John's decision to go despite massive popular support is likely to disappoint some of the viewers who voted on Saturday for him to continue to compete. Because of the unprecedented nature of this we have decided that if any of those viewers feel they want a refund we will arrange this. As this has only just happened we will be publishing information on our website before this week's show.

Source - BBC Online http://www.bbc.co.uk/strictlycomedan...ing_info.shtml
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:37
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By Fiona Phillips 20/11/2008

So the judges have won. With their bully boy tactics, personal swipes and humiliating attacks, they've forced John out.

He's been hurt and the viewers have been cheated.

People spent money voting for John. The last time I checked, the public had a 50 per cent say in who stays and who goes. But the judges think their opinion is the only one that counts.

Strictly Come Dancing is a Saturday night entertainment show. It's not, as the judges seem to think, a serious dancing competition.

If the worst dancer got voted off every week, where would the excitement, drama and suspense come from?

The viewers kept John in because he injected a bit of fun into the proceedings. And for that he was slated.

The judges - Arlene Phillips in particular - have been out in force this week urging people not to vote for him. Their behaviour is quite reprehensible. He's been dubbed the Dancing Pig. He's been called lazy and been mocked because of his looks and weight. If he'd stayed this weekend, no doubt they would have ripped him to shreds in a character assassination live on TV this Saturday night.

I don't blame him for bowing out - he's got bigger fish to fry.

But I feel sorry for the viewers, who were clearly enjoying his performances and who have now effectively been told their votes are irrelevant.

They've spent their cash and invested their emotions and all, ultimately, for nothing.

What used to be a light-hearted, feel-good show now has a cloud of nastiness hanging over it.

Arlene claims the voting should be based on the dancing alone. What double standards!

Her vile comments this week and last certainly haven't been about the dancing.

They've been personal and cruel and made uncomfortable reading.

The judges have form here.

When I was on, they laid into me week after week. I was the runt of the litter, the useless one that the viewers kept voting back in, to the judges' horror.

No one likes a bully. In this country we stick up for the underdog. The judges might have got their way, but they've damaged the show.

Far from John making a mockery of Strictly Come Dancing, Arlene and her gang have done it all by themselves.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/most-popular...5875-20909572/
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:49
Greytop_1967
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Hot of the Press - The Sun

More than three quarters of The Sun’s readers think John Sergeant was wrong to waltz off Strictly yesterday.

77 per cent of the 3,640 people who responded to our poll about the 64-year-old journalist’s exit from the series, think he should not have left.

His departure came after the BBC1 show’s four judges – Arlene Phillips, Len Goodman, Bruno Tonioli and Craig Revel-Horwood – all urged viewers to vote John off the show.

Since he left, fellow Strictly stars – including Andrew Castle and Heather Small – have said Strictly will be worse off without him, while others have criticised the judges for “bullying” him out of it.

But, as our poll shows, most people think John is at fault for going.

He and dance partner Kristina Rihanoff will return to Saturday’s show for a final dance.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...cle1953309.ece
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Old 20-11-2008, 16:55
Greytop_1967
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The BBC has received more than 2,000 complaints from viewers upset over the withdrawal of John Sergeant from Strictly Come Dancing.

Today the corporation said that since the announcement of Sergeant's departure yesterday morning, it had received 2,094 complaints from Strictly fans unhappy he was leaving, with the figure expected to rise during the day.

This contrasts to the 377 complaints the BBC received about his continued involvement in the show before the journalist announced yesterday that he was leaving Strictly Come Dancing.

A BBC spokesman confirmed that one celebrity would leave the show as normal at the end of Sunday's results programme, meaning the show will have one less couple in the final on December 20 – two instead of the usual three.

Full Story http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2008...-john-sergeant
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Old 20-11-2008, 17:08
Christa
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Who are these people who have nothing better to do with their time than phone in & complain about TV shows?

Russell Brand - now this.

What we need is a war.
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