Forsyth: Sergeant exit a 'shock'

Strictly Come Dancing host Bruce Forsyth has described John Sergeant's decision to leave the show as a "shock".

The veteran political analyst quit the contest earlier today amid fears that he could win because of his popularity with viewers.

Forsyth said he sympathised with Sergeant's plight, telling the BBC: "I feel sorry for John because he was put in the most awkward position. He looked at all the other dancers and knew they were better than him. Over the last few weeks he must have felt guilty in a way."

Forsyth added that he feels sorry for the other dancers on the programme, as well as the judges, who have given Sergeant poor marks throughout the series.

"It's all ended up a bit sad in a way. John is such a lovely guy and the whole team adore him. But then I felt sorry for poor Cherie [Lunghi] who worked so hard," he said.

"[Viewers] don't realise how hard the contestants work learning the dances for up to seven hours a day."