John Sergeant Controversy over John Sergeant's continued participation in Strictly Come Dancing has been going on all week.

But despite the furore, we weren't prepared for him to stand down.

The 64-year-old has released a statement saying: "I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

"It was always my intention to have fun on the show and I was hoping to stay in as long as possible.

"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."

The former journalist, whose dancing has been heavily criticised, said he would like to "thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."

Tough talking judge Arlene Phillips has publicly blasted John in the past.

She told the BBC: "He's not making much effort. The dancers are constantly working but John just sits there and reads the paper.

"A lot of people are non-stop practising, to achieve what? Why don't the girls just all throw off their clothes and the boys do a comedy dance? Is that going to help?"

But since John announced his decision to leave, Arlene has some kinder words for him.

“I'm always sad if a contestant leaves of choice, because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out,” she said.

“But John is his own person and he has his own reasons for doing this. 

“If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme. Last week's performance was an improved performance. There wasn't a judge who didn't say that.”

In the statement issued by the Beeb today, BBC One controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see John go. He has been an entertaining contestant and is hugely popular with the viewers.

"We would have liked him to stay but we respect his decision to leave. John and Kristina will be performing a farewell dance this Saturday on the show."

We understand John's reasons for quitting, but we'll miss him.

Find out when Strictly Come Dancing is showing on TV.