DANCING On Ice fans have called on bosses to bring back acid-tongued judge Jason Gardiner.
Viewers of the ITV1 skating show have pleaded for the Aussie star – who was famed for his put downs and jibes – to return to the ice panel.
It comes after some fans became disgruntled with tonight’s scoring, especially after so many of the contestants were awarded identical marks.
Taking to Twitter, one fan wrote: “What the heck is Ashley and John watching? Rubbish judges …. bring back Jason Gardiner. Graham Bell was AMAZING #DancingOnIce.”
Another added: “We need Jason gardiner back for some fair scores x x #DancingOnIce.”
A third viewer simply tweeted: “Bring back Jason Gardiner #DancingOnIce.”
One even penned: “Please, bring back #JasonGardiner the judges are dreadful how can you score the same scores.”
Jason, 49, shocked fans in August 2019 when he announced he was leaving Dancing On Ice after 13 years on the show.
The current panel is made up of Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo.
At the time, Jason said in an Instagram video: “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.
“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 honesty.”
It came following reports that producers were secretly plotting to replace him.
Referencing this, 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.
“The show had been off air for four years and when it was revived I was the only original judge to return.”
Jason’s decision to leave came months after he had clashed with Gemma Collins on DOI.
Former Towie star Gemma accused him of being a bully because he compared her to a refrigerator.
But although fans might want to see Jason return to the ice panel, The Celeb Report exclusively revealed earlier this month that he has quit showbiz for a new life abroad.
Following lockdown last year, Jason flew to Spain and completed a biodiversity and sustainability course.
He is now based in Portugal and works as an eco-friendly farmer and builder, describing himself as a ‘Nomadic Permaculture Designer’.
