LONDON - BRITONS voiced anger on 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 Strictly Come Dancing, which has become an international hit.

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.

'I am sorry to say I have decided to leave Strictly Come Dancing', said Sergeant. '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.'

He added later: 'It is like, when do you leave a party? You leave before the fighting starts and I think that is what has happened on this occasion.'

But his decision to waltz away from the spotlight triggered a furious response from viewers on the show's Internet message board.

'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 pop singer Rachel Stevens.

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.

The row even drew a response from a cabinet minister: former EU trade commissioner Peter Mandelson, recently resurrected to the British government as business secretary under his former Labour Party foe Gordon Brown.

'John Sergeant should not bow out. He has become the people's John Travolta and he should be a fighter, not a quitter,' he said, in a finely-crafted comment playfully recalling famous Labour soundbites.

The flamboyant minister - who was twice previously forced to quit Mr Tony Blair's cabinet - has even hinted that he would be interested in going on 'Strictly', as it is almost universally referred to here.

Mr David Cameron, leader of the main opposition Conservatives, said he was 'devastated' by Sergeant's departure.

'Strictly will not be the same without him. The nation will not have the same spring in its step on a Saturday night,' he said. -- AFP