Britons voiced anger Wednesday as a hopeless contestant described as a `dancing pig` quit a top television show, seeking to defuse a media-fuelled row which has threatened to divide the nation.

As the economy crumbles and conflict wracks Africa, one issue has gripped the British public: a chubby, ageing television journalist who won the nation`s hearts on the hugely popular `Strictly Come Dancing` programme.

Despite the judges continually savaging John Sergeant`s almost comical performances, viewers loved it and had repeatedly voted to keep him in the show, attracting front-page newspaper coverage.

Sergeant, 64, formerly one of British television`s top political reporters, pulled out of the BBC dance competition show saying the joke had gone too far as there was now a real danger of him winning it.

The British show has spawned more international spin-offs than any other programme, with the format having been sold to 38 countries, including the United States, India and Japan.

`I am sorry to say I have decided to leave `Strictly Come Dancing`,` Sergeant said in a statement which made major headlines here.

`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.`

But his decision to waltz away from the spotlight triggered a furious response from viewers on the show`s messageboard.

`Absolute disgrace and a huge blow for democracy,` wrote exvernonjohnson.

Sleeeepwalker said: `This is so wrong I just don`t have the words.`

`It is a sad day when the bully boys win. I hope all involved hang their heads in shame,` wrote lovepurdey.

AdoreCraigRH said: `Now he`s a martyr.`

CosmicClaireAnn added: `So the bullies have won. As an older person with a hip problem I now feel that I have nobody on SCD to relate to.`

However, Zulu24 said: `Er... he was hopeless. Glad he`s gone.`

Among the six left in the competition are models Jodie Kidd and Lisa Snowdon, ex-England rugby union player Austin Healey and former S Club singer Rachel Stevens.