John SergeantWe never had John Sergeant down as a fox.

But he's stirred up more intense emotions that any of your average heart-throbs.

Brad Pitt, take a hike - John's the man of the minute.

Yup, he may have been dubbed a "dancing pig" by Strictly judge Arlene Phillips, but since his resignation from the comp earlier this week, John's groupies have been swamping the flat-footed star with heartfelt affection.

The 64-year-old former political journalist can now count at least 12,000 official supporters to his name - all of whom have lodged complaints about the fact that he's left the show.

Two thousand incensed fans have voiced direct objections over John's departure to the BBC, while a further 10,000 have signed an online petition for him to be reinstated.

John Tilley, the organiser behind the appeal, said: "It is scandalous John has gone. He was the best thing about the show. The whole country wants him back."One of John's infamous moves on the show

John himself made the decision to leave Strictly, saying "the joke" of his bad performances was "wearing thin" .

However, many felt he was pushed into resigning by the barrage of increasing criticism his survival on the show received from the judges.

Like everyone else, the Showbiz Shed were drawn to John's never-ending bonhomie and fighting underdog spirit - and needless to say, we're in mourning at his departure.

Along with millions of others, we'll be tuning in to see him perform his last dance with partner Kristina Rihanoff this weekend, no doubt shouting at the TV screen as he takes his last bow. Sob.