[Red Moon]

Strictly judges face the axe as BBC fears viewing figures will plummet after Sergeant's exit

Two of the Strictly Come Dancing judges who helped force out John Sergeant may be axed if viewing figures plummet.

The Mail has learned the jobs of both Arlene Phillips and Craig Revel Horwood hang in the balance.

Sergeant attracted 11.7million viewers to his final show at the weekend after announcing his departure.

BBC executives fear viewers will now turn away in droves.

They have also watched with interest the success of ITV's replacement of X Factor judge Sharon Osbourne with Girls Aloud singer Cheryl Cole.

A BBC source said: 'The BBC's head honchos were furious that John Sergeant fell on his sword. He was the most enormous ratings winner and executives think the judges overstepped the mark.

'Arlene and Craig have the axe hanging over them depending on how ratings do in the rest of the show over the next month.'

But Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman are thought to be safe, aided by their position as judges on Dancing With The Stars, which is made by BBC Worldwide in the U.S.

The source said: 'BBC executives feel that John was really driven out.

'No action could be taken against the judges mid-series - it would be impossible to find replacements for a start. However when the ratings figures start to come in, they will be carefully scrutinised.

'It is clear some of the judges have started to think the stars of the show are themselves, which is an unfortunate development.'

Thousands of viewers complained to the BBC when Sergeant decided to leave the show after repeated roastings.

Head judge Goodman appeared to try to make amends, saying on behalf of the panel: 'We're sorry that John decided to leave the competition because he's given us and the viewers a lot of entertainment. We wish him well.'

And his pull was proven when the show attracted nearly 12million viewers, the largest audience of the series.

Source: Daily Mail