Jason Gardiner has announced he’s quit Dancing On Ice as a judge.
Earlier this month, it was reported that ITV bosses were secretly trying to find a replacement judge for Jason ahead of January’s series.
According to The Sun, ITV chiefs were worried contestants might claim they have been bullied because of Jason’s critical remarks.
Read more: Tommy Fury reportedly in talks for Dancing On Ice 2020
On Wednesday, Jason shared the news that he’s stepping down from his judging role on the show in a video shared to his Instagram.
He said: “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.
“The past two series has seen new additions to the panel with the brilliant Ashley Banjo and the legends [Jayne] Torvill and [Christopher] Dean.
“I have absolutely loved sharing the panel with them.”
He added: “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 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 grateful you got my unique judging style and honesty.
“It’s because of you I never cowered or shied away from serving up the truth.
“Holly [Willoughby], Phil [Schofield], Jane and Chris we created something we can be really proud of after the ice has finally thawed.
“We’ve had a lot of laughs, trials and tribulations and I have absolutely loved working with all of you.”
He concluded the video: “To the unsung heroes, the pros and coaches, including Karen Barber, without your hard work, dedication, courage, we would never have had the success we’ve had, I salute and applaud you.”
Jason went on to reveal that he will be debuting his one-man show in January and February next year.
The star made headlines during this year’s series of the ice-skating show thanks to his clash with contestant Gemma Collins.
The falling out was 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 live on air.
Read more: Gemma Collins slams Jason Gardiner as she celebrates reports he’s been ‘axed’ from Dancing On Ice
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.”
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