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Wednesday, November 19, 2008, 21:34
The former BBC political correspondent, who was criticised by the show's judges for his clumsy footwork, has quit the show - saying it had become obvious that, due to his popular support base, he could have won the competition.
He said: "That is a frightening thought, it is a terrifying thought. I didn't want that to happen because it would have been a very bittersweet victory."
But he brushed aside suggestions that he was pushed out by TV bosses.
He said: "Anyone thinking that I can be leant on or bullied does not know me very well. I decide to choose my own battles. What I did not want was a bloody battle."
The ousted dancer himself said he had planned a routine to Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Murder On The Dance Floor.
"It ended up with me firing imaginary bullets at the judges," he said.
He added: "It would have amused me, and maybe lots of people in the audience, but some people would say 'Here we go - not more John Sergeant ruining a marvellous dancing competition'.
"The idea that we would carry on doing this week after week - irritating and annoying people and causing controversy - that is not what I'm about and that is not why I wanted to join the show."
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