Dancing On Ice judge Louie Spence 'kicked to the kerb' in favour of Jason Gardiner
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sharp-tongued judge Jason Gardiner is returning to Dancing On Ice after his replacement Louie Spence was "kicked to the kerb".
Spence, who replaced Gardiner this year, said he was still a big fan of the ITV1 show despite his exit.
He told ITV's This Morning: "What can I say? I thought I was pretty fabulous myself but, no, I've been kicked to the kerb. That's showbusiness. One day you're in, one day you're out. Dancing On Ice always change up their panel."
"I think it's a great idea because then they've always got different opinions. If you watch some of these shows, judges always repeat the same things year in, year out. I think having the change up is great."
Australian Gardiner, who famously described watching swimming champion Sharron Davies dance as looking at "faecal matter that won't flush", started as a judge when the show launched in 2006.
He also caused controversy when he was accused of bullying former judge Karen Barber by telling her: "If your opinion still mattered, you'd be on the panel."
Gardiner's comments have also included telling Chloe Madeley she had a "baboon bottom" and ex-Neighbours star Craig McLachlan that he looked like he was performing with a "soiled nappy".
Spence, who rose to fame in Sky docu-soap Pineapple Dance Studios, said he would still be offering his opinion.
He told This Morning: "You know what, I'll be on Twitter like I am on every other show having my say anyway so, you know, I'm the people's judge again."
PA
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments