Now even the dancers are arguing over Strictly's John Sergeant

THE improbable star of Strictly Come Dancing has found an unlikely ally - the wife of a dancer he has just helped to kick off the show.

Ola Jordan, married to James, the show partner of actress Cherie Lunghi, is a fan of political reporter John Sergeant and his two left feet.

Sergeant has neatly sidestepped eviction through his affable demeanour, which appears to have worked its magic on Mrs Jordan, a 26-year-old Polish dancer.

She was also on the show until her partner, GMTV presenter Andrew Castle, was voted off two weeks ago but has since joined the army of fans whose support is keeping Sergeant in the competition.

Her irked husband, still clearly smarting from his eviction, revealed today: "I want to see the best dancer win but I do understand people are voting because they love John Sergeant, including my wife.

"Some people are saying I am a sore loser but it is not about that. I just want to make sure the best dancers stay in the competition. I understand the show is successful because we have people like John Sergeant but enough is enough." Lunghi, who was sent home along with Jordan on Sunday, said the Strictly underdog had turned it into a "soap opera".

She told BBC breakfast news today Sergeant's survival was down to his blonde dance partner, Kristina Rihanoff. "Christina is a wonderful dancer and makes him look wonderful," she said. "I don't know whether it's a Marilyn Monroe kind of fantasy or whatever, but it's a show and it is entertainment.

"It is almost like there are two shows going on. John is dancing and competing but there is this whole soap opera thing and there is sympathy for the character."

Lunghi, 56, revealed that Sergeant apologised to her after her exit. She became the ninth contestant to be voted off while the flat-footed political reporter survived.

But Sergeant has hit back at his critics. He said: "I'm treated as if I've done something wrong. It's very hard work and anyone who sees my rehearsal tape and knows I've lost two stone will realise I'm not reading newspapers all the time."

Bookmakers have shortened the odds on Sergeant winning.