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Strictly star Sergeant to cash in on public's adoration
Sri Carmichael, Amar Singh and Anna Davis20.11.08
JOHN Sergeant may have quit Strictly Come Dancing but he will be waltzing all the way to the bank.
The 64-year-old is set to make hundreds of thousands of pounds in public appearances and after-dinner speeches.
Agents acting on behalf of the former political journalist are hoping he will cash in on his new-found public adoration and say he could now command up to £15,000 for entertaining guests.
Before his hapless dancing on the BBC prime-time show reinvented him as the nation's favourite underdog, Sergeant charged between £5,000 and £10,000 for each engagement.
But experts now say he can double - and even triple - his old fees as corporate event organisers clamour to hire the witty star to share his anecdotes from the show.
The former BBC political correspondent, who is signed up with at least six agencies, has already been booked for an all-expenses-paid Caribbean cruise, in which he will give speeches and show off his dance skills for £10,000, six days after he gives his final performance on Saturday's show.
A spokesman for Kruger Cowne, which promotes Sergeant, told the Standard: "Without a shadow of a doubt people will want to listen to the inside story about his time on the show. He could quite possibly charge up to £15,000 now. He has always been a very funny and entertaining speaker but now there's this added element."
Now You're Talking, another agency that represents him, said his price tag would now be at least £12,000. It comes after his shock exit triggered a huge backlash from viewers.
The BBC revealed today that it had received more than 2,000 complaints about Sergeant's shock exit in less than 24 hours. The BBC was forced to close part of the Strictly Come Dancing website after it was overwhelmed with complaints from angry fans. The official online message board was pulled late last night because moderators could not cope with the number of comments.
Fans are also demanding a refund for the money they spent voting for him to stay on the show, which could leave the BBC with a bill running into tens of thousands of pounds.
Mr Sergeant told fans he left the programme to avoid a "bloody battle".
Defending his move to quit the show yesterday, he said: "We had fun dancing and dancing is a wonderfully enjoyable thing, but if the joke wears thin, if people begin to take things very seriously and if people are getting so wound up that it is very difficult to carry on the joke, then it is time to go."
Bex Langbant, one of the hundreds of people who have joined online campaigns to support Mr Sergeant, said: "I think it's outrageous that we all wasted our money voting ... seems like another swizz by the BBC."
BBC1 controller Jay Hunt said that anyone who had voted for Mr Sergeant and wanted to be reimbursed would be. Mr Sergeant's fellow former contestant Andrew Castle said: "He leaves undefeated, his flag flying high, and the programme will be worse off for it because at the end of the day it's an entertainment show and some people have failed in a spectacular fashion to see that."
Conservative leader David Cameron, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, Cilla Black and comedian Les Dennis have all spoken out in support of the ex-ITV political editor.
Mr Cameron said: "Along with the rest of the country I am devastated. Strictly will not be the same without him."
Mr Sergeant will end his dancing career with a last waltz on Saturday with his dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.
Reader views (55)
I never vote for any of the celebrities on strictly come dancing but loved it.I do feel the show was excellent to watch until all the abuse was thrown at John Sergeant from the judges which had nothing to do with his dancing. Some remarks were very rude and disgusting. I no longer wish to watch a programme where insults are thrown at people.
The judges seem to have very short memories as they are now saying they neve made any nasty comments to John Sergeant.
- Gloria, Bishops Waltham hampshire
Well, what did they expect when they allowed sheep, sorry the public to vote?? It was bound to result in the greatest number of votes for the person with the least amount of talent (in the absence of a sob story, as per X Factor). They have got no more than they deserve.
- Helen, London, UK
I certain;y voted - for everybody except John Sergeant who knew exactly what he was doing - generating huge amounts of publicity for his own financial ends and thereby ruining the programme for people who admire and respect the talented dancers. He is far from the cuddly little grandad he pretends to be as shown in his refusal to give his partner a hug when she was distressed!
- Jennifer Holman, Tring, Herts
It really is difficult to believe that BBC management could not see the liklihood of a public backlash when John decided to leave the show.Every newspaper featured one or other of the judges saying he is lazy, hopeless and the public should vote him out.The judges gave their views on the programme and should NOT air them in the press. This is a public decision or a judges decision it cannot be both, make your mind up..
- D,Mccann, Droitwich Spa, UK
What I have not yet heard anybody say, is that thanks to JS there will now only be 2 couples in the final. Again. For the 3rd year running. The last 2 finals have had something missing from them that series 2 and 3 had - a 3rd couple. Am I the only one who thinks the final is better with 3 couples. I don't believe JS would have been voted into the final and now thanks to him another couple will miss out, and we will not be able to see 3 free styles as well as our favourite ballroom and latin. I'm so angry with JS I could slap him. I'll never forgive him for ruining the final.
- Debbie, Coalville
As Len said a few series back .... if you don't phone, don't moan. It's obvious the Sergeant haters were too tight to phone!
- Paul, London
What people are forgetting is that Strictly come "Dancing" is a dance contest, and JS just can't dance - yes he is entertaining, but after 9 weeks he should have been better and he wasn't. Dancers much better then him lost out. People it's a DANCE show NOT a entertainment/popularity show!
- S.Perie, London, uk
If Strictly is a documentary exploring how novices can develop into excellent dancers then it is a scheduled as such and should be on BBC2 at 8.30 on a Tuesday if, however, it is a prime time entertainment show designed to bring joy and entertainment then what is the problem with John being popular with those he entertains? Ballroom dancing is glamorous entertainment, Kristina is glamorous and John is entertainment.
- Steve, London
Is this what the world is coming to? Utter nonsense who cares about this rubbish?
- Derek James, Stourbridge
The show is supposed to be a dance contest to choose the best dancer. It not an entertainment show for us to laugh at hopeless would be dancers. The public have made a fool out of John Sergeant by keeping him in each week and letting good dancers be eliminated in his place. At last we can get down to watching and enjoying serious dancing by celebrities who have trained so very hard.
- J Wileman, Merseyside
But for the Sergeant affect, who would watch this deeply strange programme other than deeply strange dancers? Harry Hill only shows those who fall over or flash their underwear. They get £250 per clip broadcast yet good dancers get nothing. I wonder why?!
- Andrew Waldron, Bournemouth, UK
has nobody grasped the basics of all this bru-ha-ha? the situation has been whipped up by the media, it is the constant media pressure and intrusion which has led to this debacle. It is the press which has turned this non-story into the farce that it has become, John Sergeant quit because he didn't want to be in the position of winning, which, because of all the stories in the press and people then voting for him. The judges "bullying" him? the judges are employed to give their "professional" opinion of his dancing. It is the press which has turned those comments into bullying by constantly repeating them. An example, Cheire Lunghi did not say "JS is turning it into a soap opera", she said that the competition is being split in two one half is the entertainment whilst the other half is being turned into a soap opera. the press took her comments out of context. that is why this situation is now out of control.
- Robert Gill, London
The judges, dancers and presenters get paid a vast amount to appear on that show which is where the money goes from voting! All the public who voted for John should get their money back. Come back John and dance for all the fans and NOT for the judges- who should be ashamed of themselves for making such an issue and talking to the press with negative nasty comments about John.
- Gloria, Bishops Waltham hampshire
Arlene Phillips has only a faint concept of truth.She trawled the studios to launch vindictive opinions of JS 's dancing both paast and future.
- P.Doff, scarborough uk
John Sergeant should never have been on SCD in the first place. It is a Dance competition, to see the progress of Celebraties, who really do want to learn and progress- not to be on the show for "FUN" an JS said thats what his intensions were. I feel really sorry for the professional dancers who give there all to teach the celebs, they deserve much more in return for their skills than the likes of JS "haveing Fun". Good riddens to him.It certainly looks as though he had his time table very well worked out any way, going on a cruise, "under contract"!!!whilst the show was still being broadcast. The BBC are at most fault for all this mess by haveing people like JSergeant, A Castle, F Phillips and K Garraway. They have ruined a lovely show by haveing the likes of as contestants. What a huge shame.
- G Hepworth, Hull, UK
I think John has been treated shamefully by the BBC Programme Organises and the Judges. Why was he invited to take part in the first place? The format seems to be "pick a selection of people with mixed abilities to dance with brilliant professionals knowing that some will be useless and be ridiculed". Especially the older weightier ones who do not have a chance against the young slim fit ones. Look at some of the previous contestants!
The problem was this time we all loved John and he did work hard. Kristina was wonderful with him. He was more of an inspiration to all of us who could not dance than the others. We feel he has be bullied by the judges and this has made the public champion him, now being a gentleman he has decided to quit. John and poor Kristina does not deserve to be treated this way.
- M Evans, Harrow Middlesex
The best dancer on SCD, by a long-shot, was Bruce Forsythe. JS grasped an aspect of the master's style that the others couldn't reach. A bad dancer? If you saw your dad or your grand-dad moving on the dance floor like him, you would think you had died and gone to heaven.
- Bloke, London
The stockmarket is down 200 points,the whole world is falling to pieces and the Brits are getting their knickers in a twist about some old,overweight ex commentator who cannot dance to save his life. Marvelous!
- Paul, London UK
For the first few weeks it is OK if a person wh is useless gets through, but IT IS A DANCE COMPETITION, and he should not have been kept in so long.
With regards to the BBC repaying voters money why? JOHN SERGENT LET DOWN THE PEOPLE HE SHOULD PAY THEM BACK.
I think to have him kept in until the end would have made a complete mockery of the show, and I would not have watcehd it. I have been totally fed up with his attempts at dancing for a few weeks now.
- E Sullivan, London
Why are the press not making more of the fact that John Sergeant has a contract to appear elsewhere and staying in the show, even at the public's request, would put that in jeopardy? Could it be the media are protecting one of there own? Did JS book the extra work knowing that he would never get this far and didn't expect to win the public sympathy vote?
- Jac, Essex, UK
Yet more rubbish produced by the BBC, at UK taxpayers expense. These programmes should not be funded by tax payers. The TV tax should be abolished immediately.
- Taxfreetv, London, UK
I agree with Jill M, London - now let us have a vote for which 'judge' to get rid of.
- Jo, Aldershot
Is it just me, or does anyone else think that John Sergeant is really Jo Brand in drag....or vice-versa?
- Razah, london
Wonderful Light Entertainment....who else can we get involved for a quote..Mr Obama?...Mr Brown? Mr Cameron?
The BBC should be congratulated for utter originality!
- William Grierson, Kimpton, UK
Does anybody with half a brain really give a hoot? What do programmes like this mean in the 'real world' other than an hour's respite from reality. This TV lobotomy should be reserved for people on death row, not for people who have a free choice. Grow up!
- Colin Bond, London
I and many of my friends who are great fans of SCD are so pleased that John Sergeant has left. He wasn't entertaining, he was embarrassing! He may be a nice guy, but he is joke on the dance floor,(and after all it is a dance contest!!) I'm sure his partner Kristina is pleased that he has left as well. All the other contestants have been taught some tricky dance moves but John has only been taught basic steps. Sorry John but your time was up in week 1.
- Marls, Southampton, Hampshire
What nasty, bad mannered, people these judges are!
- Joyce M,, Wokingham England
Arlene clearly has no sense of humour and takes things just far too seriously. We love John. We have no interest in Arlene. We have taste, we are the voters and we disagree with Arlene. Maybe she should leave the show, could viewers vote on that. It would secure good viewing figures.... which judge to throw off the show...
- Trevor, Brussels
All of us who bet on him to win are furious too as we have all lost our stakes. Thanks a lot John.
- Casper Slides, France
Thank you John for keeping us all entertained. We LOVED watching you. I'm really sorry you've decided to exit stage left. The show won't be the same without you.
- Jean, Kingston, Surrey
The BBC in trouble again - I am beginning to think I may not watch anymore.
- Lynn, Stourbridge
Tony Johnson; Pan's People bad at times? They were always a laughing stock. They were only there so that you could go and make a cup of tea before the talent came back on.
- Casper Slides, France
On this reckoning, Daniel Evans of X Factor, should have quit the show weeks before he was finally voted out, but he didn't. And, although I didn't think he was particularly talented, maybe he was right to wait until he was voted out, rather than allowing himself to be bullied out of the contest.
John Sergeant seems to be a nice man, a shame others had to resort to name-calling.
- Yvonne, Doncaster, UK
Get Jodie the cart hourse off - she cant dance! And lisa and rachel as so desperate to win its pathetic...The guy from casualty put this progamme before his wedding and scheduled it around it and, didnt have a honeymoon!!!Sad...and Austin is as arrogant and smug on the dance floor as he was on trhe rugby pitch - he didnt win many fans when he was playing rugby so I doubt many people are voting for him in this. At least john enjoyed himself and entertained and is a lovely guy!!
- Nick, London
I don't even watch the show but I back the 'Boycott SCD' camp.
- Sharon, London
I feel betrayed, I have voted for John many times every week as he has represented my age group at a time when we are being described as 'non - people'.
John you have given us a since of value which has now been eradicated. You (like the grand old duke of York)Marched us up to the top of the hill then you marched us down again.
- John Quinliven (Age 63), Belfast
No they are not. Now we can sit back and watch the dancing.
- Dennis, Taplow. U.K.
More proof that the BBC is inimical to democracy. First Blue Peter vote rigging and now this subterfuge.
- Blackstone Coke, London
JS is the winner so there's no point in watching any more. At least I wont have to listen to screechy Arlene trying and failing to be funny.
- Tony Clayton, Suffolk UK
Who watches this rubbish anyway?
- Susuan, Epsom, Surrey
what a load of nonsense. if they really want it to be a dance contest per the judges opinions, they should get rid of the public vote. otherwise, deal with it.
- Gordon, London
What about a telephone vote to see which judges should leave the show? The anticipation of what John and Kristina would come up with each week was the making of SCD for me. I think the judges have gone too far and they seem to believe they are the stars of the show.
- Jill M, London
We should boycott voting on Saturday!!! see how the BBC like it when the audience abstains from supporting the show. What galled me last week was the pleas to vote for the "dancing" – surely we should vote for our favorite, the fact that John could lift Kristina was vote worthy enough for me!
- Yeh, London, UK
John Sergent for Prime Minister, now theres a man with integrity
- Sid, London
Why shouldn't he win? Bullies.
- Bloke, London
Perhaps the judges should now consider their position especially Arlene,do you remember how bad Pans People were at times?
- Tony Johnson, Hythe UK
Sad that he should be forced to quit, because of the reactions of sore losers.
So Cherie would have lasted one more week, big deal.
It now seems that it is the winning that counts not the taking part.
Also Arlene should be told that Mickey Rooney was a good dancer, eg Footlight Parade.
- Dereck, London, England
I have long admired John Sarjeant as a professional and a gentleman but his continuing presence on 'Strictly' was becoming farcical and I believe he has done the right thing in resigning. However much the public love him, 'Strictly' is, above all, an entertaining dance coompetition.
- Kiwi Expat, London, UK
At least one person has acted honourably here. I don't watch the programme yet because there has been so much bitching about John Sergeant by the judges the dancers in the press this week blaming him for the other contestants leaving the pressure on him was enormous and he was left with no choice. That the public kept him in the show was not his fault yet that hasn't stopped any of the judges and other commentators making a lot of unpleasant personal comments about John Sergeant - they should be ashamed!
- Andy, London
Good for him. I guess he looked at a replay of last few weeks and he took off the "rose tinted" glasses and saw that he was mking a complete a--- of himself
- Mike Melbourne, Bedford England
Good for him. It's a rubbish programme. I don't know why people would want to take part in the first case. And there are better things to do on Saturday nights than sitting at home and watch Strictly.
- Ed, London
If you don't like what the public has to say - don't ask. IMHO, certain individuals are all taking this (and themselves) a little too seriously. As far as I was aware, the contestants are 'celebrities' in their own right with successful careers off the dancefloor. I doubt very much these chosen paths will be threatened by the event of a win. I think it's a shame that an individual has forced to leave because he's too popular. John Sargent made people smile - get over yourselves and remember what your there for - our entertainment.
- Jim, London
Right - so the voters, aka tv licence payers, vote to keep John in and this is totally disregarded by those on the show. Judges get to voice their opinion and scores and then continue a negative and bitter campaign until he is basically bullied into quitting....this is a disgusting display of foot stamping from those on high having not got their own way...I am appalled by the behaviour of the judges/show in this situation - it's meant to be entertainment afterall - it seems to have turned into a farce - where we the public are entitled to no opinion as per! They should be ashamed. I a big fan of the show - but will purposely not watch it this weekend.....I think all the judges should be sacked and replaced...
- Katie, Herts
I am totally disgusted that someone who was providing entertainment to the licence fee paying public has been bullied into pulling out of the show. The judges need to be aware that if this was only a dancing competition, they would not have the viewing public that they do and would not have been in a position to demand the payrise they recently have based on the fact that the programme was so popular. This program is a light entertainment programme and it is because it allows anyone of any ability to do what they can on the dance floor that it is so popular and is so entertaining. The purpose of the programme is to entertain the viewing public, not to accommodate the egos of the judges who could not attract the public they have without the celebrities. Yet another example of where the BBC had dictated to the public what they can and cannot watch. I cannot explain enough how angry this makes me and I certainly won't be watching the rest of the programme.
- Teresa Fahy, Hampshire
Really sad to see him go...
Okay, he can't really dance but he is charming and funny and provided real entertainment that the public seemed to love.
- M, London
