ICE ICE BYE-BYE
Jason Gardiner reveals he’s QUIT Dancing On Ice after bosses secretly tried to replace him after Gemma Collins bullying row
DANCING On Ice judge Jason Gardiner has quit the show after bosses secretly tried to replace him after Gemma Collins bullying row.
The acid-tongue judge has jumped before he was pushed as bosses have been sounding out a replacement judge ahead of the skating show’s next series in January.
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"After all these years I feel it's time for me to say goodbye to my judging role and return to things I have been putting on hold and have been on the back burner for a while," he said in a video posted on Instagram.
"To all of my DOI fans I really thank you for your support and encouragement over the years, I know we've gone through some controversies and I'm glad you got my unique judging style and honestly."
Earlier this month we reported that producers were secretly plotting to replace him.
Referencing the reports, he added: "I know there has been a lot of speculation about me and the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice. I wanted to set the record straight, I've been an original judge since 2006.
"I've done every series except one, when I was replaced by my good friend and dance sister Louis Spence in 2012.
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"The show had been off air for four years and when it was revived I was the only original judge to return.
"The past two series there have been new additions to the panel including the fantastic Ashley Banjo and the legends Torvill and Dean. I have absolutely loved sharing the panel with them."
ITV chiefs are worried contestants might claim they have been bullied because of Jason’s close-to-the-bone remarks, The Sun understands.
Jason, 47, and reality star Gemma Collins, clashed on last year’s series after he savaged her skating skills. Gemma, 38, accused him of being a bully because he compared her to a refrigerator.
Insiders say they will only replace Aussie Jason if they can find someone suitable.
An ITV source revealed: “Bosses have become concerned in light of the axing of The Jeremy Kyle Show, that contestants could have a cause for complaint.
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“After the rows with Gemma last year, producers started to make quiet inquiries about potential replacements.
“It sounds as if Jason isn’t aware this process is taking place, which is a bit awkward.”
It would not be the first time ITV bosses have axed Jason. He was an original on the panel from 2006 to 2011, but was ditched for the 2012 series.
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Gemma Collins tells Jason Gardiner to shut up as he calls her a brat during Dancing on Ice spat
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