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Last updated at 11:59am on 18.11.08Strictly Come Dancing underdog John Sergeant has turned the show into a "soap opera", the latest victim of his popularity said today.
Dancing soap: Strictly contestants James Jordan and Cherie Lunghi on BBC today
A day after judge Arlene Phillips accused the "dancing pig" of undermining the programme, actress Cherie Lunghi joined the controversy.
She claimed the journalist, 64, was being helped by the popularity of his dancing partner Kristina Rihanoff.
Lunghi, who was voted off on Sunday, told the BBC Breakfast news programme today: "Christina is a wonderful dancer and makes him look wonderful. I don't know whether it's a Marilyn Monroe kind of fantasy or whatever, but it's a show and it is entertainment.
Sergeant's mess: John and graceful Kristina in the contest
"It is almost like there are two shows going on. John is dancing and competing, but there is this whole soap thing and there is sympathy for the character."
Speaking about her training regime, Lunghi added: "Everybody is putting in five or six hours a day. The dancers have spent 20 years getting to the top of their game for the competition." The 56-year-old star of hospital soap opera Casualty revealed that Sergeant apologised to her after her unexpected departure, which followed a dance- off against actress Lisa Snowdon.
Until then, Lunghi had been a favourite to win the BBC show. Her dance partner James Jordan said: "I want to see the best dancer win, but I do understand people are voting because they love John Sergeant. Some people are saying I'm a sore loser, but it is not about that. I just want to make sure the best dancers stay in the competition. I understand the show is successful because we have people like John Sergeant, but enough is enough."
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Reader views (19)
The BBC should make sure they only invite younger, slim & good looking people to enter next year then, since they are the only ones who can win! How boring! John had entertainment value and now he's been (indirectly) 'forced' to quit, I won't be watching it anymore. The Judges have got their way after all!
- Dawn R, Telford, Uk
The primary aim of the show is entertainment. It simply uses a dance competition as a medium. Seems the judges and some of the contestants have lost sight of that. While it has been wonderful to see the contestants improve and dance exceptionally well, John has brought a human factor to the show that many of us can identify with. Personally, I don't think John would have won, as eventually, when it really mattered the voting would have reflected the capability of the contestants. The viewers pay the licence fee and are equal participants in this show. The manner of John's departure in many viewers eyes will be a disappointing.
- Brian, Glasgow
All the people who keep voting for J S every week "and yes i agree he is a nice person"Should remember that the show is called strictly come dancing and not strictly personality,Other wise its not worth all the other people working there butts of for nothing.
- Doreen, St Helens
John Sergeant has shewn that there are still men of honour. Well done mate.
- Douglas Hendry, Crowmarsh Gifford England
Oh dear, now the BBC loses another viewer on Saturday evening
- Anon, UK
Well all you bullies will be sitting in uneasy seats now! The horrible Arlene included.
The lovely John has withdrawn from the competition. Which equates too -
If you are a nice, humble, cheery person, who doesn't take themselves too seriously, is not interested in bitching about others and just wants to enjoy the experience then....... there is no place for you on British tv??????
Hope your satisfied now???
- Janey C, inverness scotland
I agree with Trisha, the reason I watch strictly and not other reality shows is that people are actually learning something, not just sitting around talking trite. Other people put hours of effort into it and it's not fair that they should go out over him. It was funny at first but I've gone off JS because of how he's behaving.
- Katie, Berks
It is saturday night entertainment not some international competition. The judges should take a reality check and stop looking up their own backsides. I hope JS wins, i will vote for him
- Elle, London
It will end up being about talent after a few weeks of amusement. No one good will go out instead of John. Cherie was ok but never going to win, she was a bit hopeless at some dances; there are 3 clear winners and the public will eventually tire of John.... would imagine the Jive should do it!
However have to remember it's the public that vote for this, blame them, it's not John's fault he is hopeless but keeps being kept in!
- Nl, London
Jane and Trisha you need to get a life! It's Saturday night entertainment - all about laughing! I doubt John will get all the way to the final but if he does, you know what, Life will go on!
- Nick, London
Me & my wife have never watched one episode but think its so hilarious that we're going to watch it and vote John. its so brilliant how all these diva's are getting all worked up.........
Come everyone lets vote for John!
- Jonny, London
The people who keep voting for John Sergeant are spoiling it for those of us who like to watch dancing. It may have been funny at first but now it is becoming farcical. Are you laughing with him or at him, the latter I bet.
- Trisha, London
Sorry, all, but what is wrong with being competitive and wanting to win something through ability and hard work? Yet another great show is in danger of being dumbed-down just so that people can "have a laugh". I and many others watch SCD because we want to be entertained by watching competitors do things well. Previous finals (Chris Parker excepted!) have produced some great dances and we risk being denied that this year. I have nothing against John, but he cannot dance and the whole sorry saga is becoming ridiculous. I'm with Cherie, James and the judges on this one.
- Jane, Dorking
Oh dear Cherie, perhaps, before slating John she should have a look back at her disater of a salsa!
John is entertaining to a fault, the salsa just made my toes curl!
Good luck John!
- Claire, London
If we are not allowed to vote for the 'older' contestants - why are they asked to take part in the programme?
- Natalie, London
A sure way to ensure that John stays in is for the judges and other contestants to bully and shun him. John's attitude and relationship with Kristina is touching and far easier to stomach than Tom Chambers' smug countenance. John and Kristina are a partnership and if they have touched something in the British public then more power to them. This is always going to involve an element of the popularity contest, it is entertainment after all and if the show's usual ploy of putting in an older 'no hoper' who will go out early has backfired then so be it.
- Pinky, London
Suddenly I don't like Cherie anymore.
It's not sympathy! We like John and he entertains us.
- Kate, London, UK
Er,...no...the reason why John Sargeant is still in the show is because he doesn't take himself seriously and seems to be genuinely having fun...unlike the remaining competetitive deperados...the public are and will continue to vote for John for that very reason...and also because it's p***ing off the arrogant and useless judges no end!
- Ali Sichilongo, London
Ohh that's not sour plums you are sucking is it Cherie???
She was a wee bit too smug for me I genuinely think she presumed she would win.
And who is Arlene to call John Sergeant a 'dancing pig'??? I suppose that would make her a 'judgemental old hag' then???? If it had been a younger man she would have been making suggestive remarks to him no doubt? (sexist harpy!)
- Janey C, inverness scotland
