[Red Moon]

And we are off.... the public bites back

Strictly judges should be sacked for their bullying antics

The Strictly Come Dancing judges have been labelled 'psychological bullies' amid a storm of protest following public favourite John Sergeant's shock exit.

The political journalist sensationally pulled out of the hit show following a barrage of abuse from the judges over his continuing popularity in the public vote.

Now leading behavioural psychologists are calling for the BBC to sack the four judges in a bid to clamp down on what they say has been 'a classic example of bullying.'

The panel's leader Len Goodman and sidekicks Arlene Phillips, Craig Revel-Horwood and Bruno Tonioli expressed their frustrations by constantly slating not only John's performance but his looks and personality as well.

Battleaxe panellist Arlene Phillips even went so far as to say she would feel "desolate" if the broadcaster claimed the title.

Father-of-two John, 64, was labelled 'The Dancing Pig' and said yesterday (THURS) he felt he had no choice but to give into the judge's demands and quit the BBC talent competition.

But thousands of fans have made complaints to the BBC following the abusive treatment dished out by judges to the former ITV political editor.

Internet message boards were flooded with words of support for the political reporter and fans who have voted for him have been left feeling cheated.

The BBC has not revealed how many complaints it has had about John's treatment, but a source said the broadcaster had received a substantial number of complaints.

Leading psychologist and behavioural expert Anita Morris has slammed the judges for their humiliating treatment of the amateur dancer which has forced him out of the show.

She said: "The way John has been treated on the show is a classic example of bullying.

"Why did they invite him to join the programme if they didn't think he was any good or wasn't going to put in 100 per cent effort.

"He was improving his health by getting fitter which can only set a good example to people of his generation.

"And he has encouraged thousands of people his age to take up dancing.

"Now because of the judge's scornful comments he has been forced out.

"To remember all the steps and keep your focus for a whole dance routine is very difficult.

"The judges are a disgrace - that he has been made to feel like he should leave the contest is a terrible example of how bullying works psychologically.

"The whole point of the show is about entertainment and encouraging amateurs to dance.

"Every year they take a wide range of people who are of all ages and abilities.

"John Sergeant is portly, middle-aged gentleman who was just trying to do his best.

"John should be applauded for getting up there week after week eventhough he knew the judges were waiting to vehemently vent their spleen about him being there.

"The panel should be ashamed of themselves because of the way they spoke to John. It is absolutely unacceptable.

"They called him a 'Dancing Pig' in one show which is a horrible thing to say, the panel are there in a constructive capacity not to annihilate someone's confidence.

"Especially when John was in no position to defend himself against those comments, he just had to take it.

"People must empathise with John now and support him.

"If this was in the work place, those judges would have been fired by now and a tribunal would be pending.

"The BBC should take action and get sack all four of them. They are a disgrace."

Source: Click Liverpool