So the people have spoken . . . and they have been roundly ignored. Conspiracy theorists will never accept that John Sergeant's shock decision to quit Strictly Come Dancing was made simply because this humble political oracle believes winning the series would be “a joke too far”.

The judges could not contain their fury that viewers consistently chose to save the flat-footed broadcaster, who last Saturday came bottom of the score table for the third week in a row with dance partner Kristina Rihanoff.

Reports were already spreading that, faced with a revolt from Arlene Phillips and co, the voting system would be overhauled in next year’s series, to prevent the public substituting their preferences for those of the experts.

Faced with a viewer rebellion, Jay Hunt, the BBC One boss, wisely volunteered to explain the withdrawal in person to the media. She is under the impression that the corporation is producing a show to educate the nation in ballroom technique. Ten million viewers, on the other hand, enjoy seeing well-known faces falling on their backsides, making a mockery of the “pundits”.

Naturally, Sergeant and Kristina will appear one more time on Saturday night for a farewell foxtrot. The furore will no doubt lure viewers away from The X Factor. Because it’s really all about ratings, isn’t it?

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