Sergeant: 'I was not forced to leave'

BBC

John Sergeant has dismissed rumours that he was told to leave Strictly Come Dancing.

The political analyst pulled out of the contest earlier today, fearing that his popularity could see him win ahead of better dancers.

However, he insisted that the decision was his own, telling reporters at a press conference: "Anyone thinking that I can be leaned 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."

A statement from the 64-year-old earlier called the idea of winning the competition "a joke too far".

> Forsyth: Sergeant exit a 'shock'