Cruise firm speaks out over Sergeant

12:04am Friday 21st November 2008

A cruise company has insisted John Sergeant's decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing was "in no way" influenced by work commitments on one of its ships.

The 64-year-old former BBC political correspondent - nicknamed the Dancing Pig - dramatically left the show on Wednesday because he feared there was a danger he might win.

Sergeant received a mauling from judges for his clumsy footwork - but viewers' love for him kept him in the popular BBC1 show - despite coming bottom of the score table three weeks in a row with dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Sergeant is due to board the Caribbean cruise on the Oceana just days after his last dance, to entertain guests with speeches. Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, he insisted the two were not connected.

And a statement from P&O Cruises emphasised the engagement was a "long standing arrangement" and should he have remained in the contest "we would have been delighted for him to bring Kristina on board to practise during the cruise and we would have been flexible around his television commitments.

"Alternatively we could have rescheduled his appearance to a different cruise."

The statement continued: "John's decision to leave Strictly Come Dancing was in no way was influenced by his contracted work on Oceana."

Sergeant's decision sparked an outcry among fans who claim he was forced out. However, he brushed off suggestions he had been bullied and said he left to avoid a "bloody battle".

High profile fans rallied round Sergeant, including Tory leader David Cameron, Business Secretary Lord Mandelson, TV personality Cilla Black and comedian Les Dennis.

Mr Cameron said: "Along with the rest of the country - I am devastated."