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DEAR JOHN

How old is John Sergeant, when was he on Strictly Come Dancing, who’s his wife and what TV shows has he hosted?

John Sergeant, 74, became a household name after appearing on Strictly Come Dancing in 2008

John Sergeant is a 74-year-old British journalist

JOHN Sergeant is a veteran British journalist perhaps best known for his spell on Strictly Come Dancing.

Here is what you need to know about the seasoned broadcaster - and how he fared in the ballroom...

 John Sergeant is a 74-year-old British journalist
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John Sergeant is a 74-year-old British journalistCredit: ITV

Who is John Sergeant?

John Sergeant is a 74-year-old British journalist who started his career as a correspondent for the Liverpool Echo.

Prior to that, he graduated from Magdalen College, Oxford, where he studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics.

He went on to join the international desk at the BBC as a radio reporter, covering stories in more than 25 countries.

He married Mary Smithies in 1969 and they have two children including Mike, who is also a journalist.

 Sergeant married Mary Smithies in 1969
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Sergeant married Mary Smithies in 1969Credit: Getty Images - Getty

When was John Sergeant on Strictly?

Sergeant competed with partner Kristina Rihanoff in the sixth series of the hit show in 2008.

He consistently finished bottom of the leaderboard but the public keep voting him through to the next round.

The TV star voluntarily left the show in Week 10 following a farewell dance, saying: "The trouble is that there is now a real danger that I might win the competition.

"Even for me that would be a joke too far."

 Sergeant competed with partner Kristina Rihanoff in the sixth series of the hit show in 2008
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Sergeant competed with partner Kristina Rihanoff in the sixth series of the hit show in 2008Credit: BBC

What other shows has he presented?

Sergeant has presented the highly respected BBC Radio 4 programmes Today and World At One.

He also fronted the three-part series John Sergeant's Tourist Trail in which he examines the origins of the British Indian Railway.

The journalist also presented Britain's First Photo Album and the factual ITV series, Bargain Round Britain.

He also hosts the new travelogue series Britain by Boat along with Michael Buerk.

When is Britain by Boat on Channel 5?

Britain by Boat is a new series that kicked off on Channel 5 on November 23 at 8pm on Channel 5.

It is comprised of four hour-long episodes and continues TONIGHT (Friday, November 30) at 8pm.

The programme will see John Sergeant and Michael Buerk set sail on the 50ft yacht Bonaventure.

The challenges they face include eating oysters gracefully and navigating the busy Thames estuary.

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