The Beeb’s latest upset is the huge popularity of genial journalist John Sargeant as he clumsily trots his way around the dance floor on Strictly Come Dancing.

Who can blame him for his huge grin as his stunning dance partner Kristina Rihanoff snuggles against his chest seductively and is using all her kittenish, beguiling charms to help him win votes too.

If BBC programme makers are not serious about the contenders it chooses for its shows, then it has itself to blame when it backfires. John may have been their wild card, their joker in the pack, but I’m hoping we will see him and Kristina for a couple more weeks at least.

Maybe the impossible will happen and John will be transformed into a daring dancer. I can’t wait to see him do the jive….

Update: 19 November. Now John is going, I feel sad. I shall miss his kind and  good natured smile.