The BBC's website has been flooded with hundreds of comments from viewers, many of whom were "strictly incensed" at John Sergeant's departure.
One Sergeant supporter said: "If Strictly just wants fit 20 or 30-somethings to get through to the final, they shouldn't invite the likes of John on in the first place - but then look at how the ratings would plunge.
"The judges seem to think its great to have older, less fit or less talented people on so they can have a laugh at them and make cruel comments in the early stages of the series - but woe-betide anyone who the public takes a fancy to!
"Well done John - sorry the pressure led to you leaving."
Another comment by "Strictly Incensed" said: "I will no longer vote. I urge everyone else to boycott the vote as well.
"If the judges want it to be down to them then you're just wasting your money.
"They seem to be getting their way in the end come what may!
"Give to charity some other way! Hopefully the BBC will learn from this and pick future contestants and judges wisely."
Another comment read: "It is an absolute disgrace that it has come to this.
"The judges are there to reward technical merit, the public pay to vote for whatever reasons they choose.
"The results should be respected. I think the judges' comments have been very unprofessional.
"John & Kristina have risen above it admirably but the BBC should not be condoning bullying."
And another viewer said: "Bad as I feel John Sergeant's "dancing" was, at the end of the day it was a tv show and regardless of what the judges said, it was the licence-fee-paying Joe Public who wanted him to stay.
"He WAS funny and entertaining.
"You will be missed - you are such a character."