John Sergeant's decision to withdraw from Strictly Come Dancing in 2008 sparked more than 2,000 complaints from viewers. The BBC received 2,094 complaints after the former political journalist quit the competition in its 10th week, rather than risk reaching the final.
Public favourite despite low scores
Sergeant joined the show that year and quickly became one of its most talked-about contestants. Although he was far from the strongest dancer, he proved a hit with the public and was repeatedly saved from elimination despite consistently low scores from the judges.
His departure came as a surprise. Sergeant announced he was withdrawing, describing the idea of winning as "a joke too far". He described his time on Strictly as "a wonderfully enjoyable thing" and praised his professional partner, Kristina Rihanoff.
Backlash and refunds
At the time, the BBC said it planned to refund the costs of phone calls made by viewers who voted for Sergeant the week before his exit.
Sergeant explained his reasoning: "But 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 added: "It's like when you decide when you leave a party, and the time to leave a party is before the fight starts, and I think that's really what's happened on this occasion."
Fellow stars react
Bruce Forsyth, who presented Strictly from 2004 to 2013 with Tess Daly, said he felt "very sorry" for Sergeant. "He was put in the most awkward position, looking at the other dancers and knowing they were better than him. He must have felt guilty in a way," the late star said. "It's a bit sad - the whole team adore him."
Arlene Phillips, a judge at the time, added: "I'm always sad if a contestant leaves of choice, because you are always expecting to let the public vote them in or out - but John is his own person and he has his own reasons for doing this." Former head judge Len Goodman branded the exit as "sad", remarking: "But there was a chance that he could have won the whole competition. And if he did, he did. I'm not one of those that thinks it's terrible, this or that. It's a dance show and if the public like it, well good luck to them."
