Gemma Collins has reacted to reports that Jason Gardiner has been axed from Dancing On Ice.
Jason and Gemma clashed during the show earlier this year when he criticised her performance with Gemma accusing him of “selling stories” about her – an allegation he denied – and Jason branding her a “brat”.
She also accused him of “body-shaming” her when he made a comment about Gemma not doing lifts during her routine.
During Wednesday’s Good Morning Britain, the reality TV star – who appeared on the show earlier this year – didn’t hold back when she was asked about the claims he has been axed.
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Host Kate Garraway: “There’s a report in the paper today that Jason Gardiner isn’t returning to Dancing On Ice.”
Gemma cut in: “Hallelujah! Let’s be fair, he only works twice a year in TV. Think he does Dancing On Ice and some Panto.
“Would we miss him this year? Hell no.”
She continued: “With me, people probably watch this and think, ‘she’s a bit strong,’ but you can criticise someone but you don’t have to get personal.
“Criticise me all day long but don’t get personal especially with mental health now and bullying. So yeah, hallelujah.
“This is great news, my show launches tonight, Jason Gardiner isn’t coming back, it couldn’t be better.”
Gemma and Jason have butted heads throughout this year’s Dancing On Ice, prompted when he said Gemma was channelling the late model Anna Nicole Smith instead of Marilyn Monroe during one routine, and she then accused Jason of “selling stories” about her.
Jason later denied her allegation on Twitter.
Back in March, he apologised for comparing Gemma to a refrigerator, and insisted he didn’t realise his remark had caused such a backlash.
When told his comments had been interpreted as “fat-shaming”, he said on Heart Radio: “Oh god no. If people are taking it that way I’m really sorry. It was a way of diffusing any tension and making light of the situation.”
Meanwhile, The Sun has claimed this week that ITV bosses are secretly trying to find a replacement judge for Jason ahead of January’s series.
According to the publication, ITV chiefs are worried contestants might claim they have been bullied because of Jason’s critical remarks.
A source said: “Bosses have become concerned in light of the axing of The Jeremy Kyle Show, that contestants could have a cause for complaint.
“After the rows with Gemma last year, producers started to make quiet inquiries about potential replacements.
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“It sounds as if Jason isn’t aware this process is taking place, which is a bit awkward.”
Ent Daily has contacted Dancing On Ice for comment.
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