The 64-year-old has received strong support from the public despite constant criticism from the judges.

Sergeant said in a statement: "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."

BBC1 controller Jay Hunt added: "We are very sad to see him go."

The BBC's website was flooded with hundreds of comments from viewers, many of whom were "strictly incensed" at John Sergeant's departure.

One Sergeant supporter said: "If Strictly just wants fit 20 or 30-somethings to get through to the final, they shouldn't invite the likes of John on in the first place - but then look at how the ratings would plunge.

"The judges seem to think its great to have older, less fit or less talented people on so they can have a laugh at them and make cruel comments in the early stages of the series - but woe-betide anyone who the public takes a fancy to!

"Well done John - sorry the pressure led to you leaving."

Another comment by "Strictly Incensed" said: "I will no longer vote. I urge everyone else to boycott the vote as well.

"If the judges want it to be down to them then you're just wasting your money.

"They seem to be getting their way in the end come what may!
"Give to charity some other way! Hopefully the BBC will learn from this and pick future contestants and judges wisely."
Another comment read: "It is an absolute disgrace that it has come to this."

Earlier this week, Strictly Come Dancing judge Arlene Phillips claimed that, instead of rehearsing, Sergeant "sits and reads the Guardian".

The veteran broadcaster came bottom of the score table for the third week in a row with dance partner Kristina Rihanoff but the pair were again saved by the public vote.

Phillips, who has been a fierce critic of Sergeant's performances, told the BBC: "There is nothing that is correct about his performance.
"His posture's wrong, his feet are turned in, he hasn't got the rise and fall, his head's on one side.

"In terms of dance, everything is wrong with it.

"When the performers and celebrities put hours in the studio they are constantly working. They do not sit down, and I know with John he sits and reads the Guardian.

"I think a lot of the time he and his partner spend fooling around.

"We've never had anyone this bad who has gone this far. It is a little bit disheartening when the public are voting for a non-dancing Mickey Rooney."

A string of groups were been set up on social networking website Facebook in support of Sergeant, who dropped as low as 16-1 with some bookmakers to win the competition.

But Phillips, 64, told the BBC Radio 4 Today programme: "I personally would like to see him off the show. I would be desolate if he won."

Actress Cherie Lunghi last weekend became the ninth celebrity to leave the show, even though the judges praised her "breakthrough" performance.

The BBC later issued a full statement from Sergeant which read: "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.

"I would like to thank Kristina and all those viewers who have been rooting for me through the series."

Sergeant's agent's office were not making any further comment.

The full statement from Ms Hunt said: "John has told us of his plans to leave Strictly Come Dancing and we are very sad to see him 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."

Phillips told the BBC: "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."

When asked if she felt responsible for his departure, she said: "Not really. If you look back, we've actually been quite nice on this programme."

Phillips pointed out that it was not been the first time a weak dancer had been backed by the public over the professionals.

And she admitted Sergeant had provided many "funny, funny moments".

She told the broadcaster: "Last week's performance was an improved performance. There wasn't a judge who didn't say that."

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