Jason Gardiner 'left furious' as he's replaced by Louie Spence in Dancing On Ice shake-up

'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner 'left furious' as he's replaced by Louie Spence in Dancing On Ice shake-up

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 12:01 AM on 3rd December 2011





Jason Gardiner has been left furious after being axed as a judge on Dancing On ice by Louie Spence.

The acid-tongued presenter is said to have told friends he feels 'stitched up' by ITV bosses' decision to replace him with Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence.

It is believed executives decided to get rid of Gardiner following his controversial comments on the show, including when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber after telling her: 'If your opinion still mattered, you'd be on the panel'.

'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner is said to be furious after being replaced by Louie Spence as a judge on Dancing On Ice

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'There have been criticisms that Jason had got too harsh, with many viewers questioning whether he was qualified to criticise ice skating.

'Viewers don't mind fair criticism but there is a real feeling that last year things went too far. It's likely to leave Jason feeling more than a bit red-faced after what he said to Karen last year.'

However, a source close to Gardiner insisted it was his decision to leave the series, adding: 'Negotiations were ongoing. ITV did initially try to reach agreement but there were stumbling blocks over pay and the producers' lack of commitment to him.

Controversial: Jason hit the headlines last year when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber

'Jason was annoyed that they didn't immediately give him their becaing for another series, but he's worried that viewers will think he's been dropped over the row with Karen last year - that is absolutely not the case.'

As well as Gardiner leaving the show, his fellow judge Emma Bunton is also off, with Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt taking her place.

As they were: Emma Bunton is also off, but head judge Robin Cousins will return for the new series

Spence and Witt will be joining head judge Robin Cousins on the panel.

Spence - who has also hosted his own series Showbusiness - said: 'I'm looking forward to being part of such a challenging and spectacular show and can't wait to give my encouragement and critique on the contestants' dance and performance on the ice.'

New judge Witt dominated figure skating for more than a decade winning Olympic golds in 1984 and 1988, before going on to win an Emmy for the 1990 film Carmen on Ice.

New faces: Former Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt will be taking the place left by Emma Bunton

Expertise: Katarina took home Olympic golds for figure skating in 1984 and 1988

She said: 'I can't wait to join the Dancing On Ice judging panel. As well as offering support and constructive advice to this year's celebrity skaters I'm also looking forward to working alongside my close friends Torvill and Dean.'

Back for more: Coaches Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Karen Barber will return in the New Year

Talking of the new arrivals, ITV's controller of entertainment Layla Smith said: 'The pair have a wealth of experience which they will be bringing to the new series.

'Their unique flare and passion for their professions will doubtless make for some interesting debates.'

She added: 'We'd like to thank Emma Bunton and Jason Gardiner for their valued contribution during previous series and wish them both all the best with their future projects.'

Mother-of-two Bunton is leaving the series after two years as a judge. She said she wanted to concentrate on other things, including her Heart FM radio show and the launch of a children's clothing range.

She will also be involved with the launch of the musical Viva Forever! - based on the songs of The Spice Girls and written by Jennifer Saunders - in the West End next year.

Bunton - known for many years as Baby Spice - said: 'I loved working on Dancing On Ice; it was so much fun and I love the team.

'I made this decision as I have to prioritise all the exciting projects lined up for me next year, as well as my Heart FM radio show, and juggle these with being a busy mum.
'I wish everyone on the show the best of luck.'

The new series will see the return of head coach Karen Barber, to offer her expertise to the show's celebrity skaters, while former host Holly Willoughby will be replaced by Christine Bleakley.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069312/Dancing-On-Ice-2012-judges-Jason-Gardiner-Emma-Bunton-leave-Louie-Spence-joins-panel.html#ixzz1fT1U9qxu

Dancing On Ice 2012: Jason Gardiner or Emma Bunton to be replaced by Louie Spence?

November 23rd, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.

Dancing On Ice kicks off in less than two months, but two members of it’s judging panel have not yet been offered a contract for their return.
The Sun claims that neither Emma Bunton or Jason Gardiner have been asked to come back to the show and that ITV bosses are considering replacing one of the experts with Pineapple Dance Studios star Louie Spence.
If true, the move will cause a lot of awkwardness between the celebrities, as Louie is close pals with both the former Spice Girl and the dance expert.

Former British champion skater Robin Cousins is said to have already agreed a deal, which will see him appearing on the 2012 series, however though both Emma and Jason have held talks with producers, none has yet been guaranteed their spot on the panel.
“This year’s judging line-up is being taken to the wire.
“Producers want to refresh things and Jason and Emma look the most vulnerable.
“The show has been running for several years and like all ITV shows they are overhauled occasionally to keep viewers interested.”
Emma Bunton seems most likely top be axed, as she has no real ice skating or dance experience and has only appeared on the show for two series’. In 2010 she replaced Karen Barber, who went on to become head coach of the celebrity contestants.

Bosses may want rid of Jason though, as he is an OFCOM investigation magnet all on his own. Last year more than 3,500 people complained to the channel about vicious comments he made to Karen on air. In 2009 the regulatory body were also called in to investigate the show, after the star Gardiner branded Roxanne Pallet a “Cabbage Patch doll” and compared Ellery Hanley to “Mr. Potato Head”.
Dancing On Ice returns in January and will reportedly feature stars such as Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment, Eastenders actress Laila Morse, Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden, Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter and Sugababes singer Heidi Range.

This year’s show will also have a different host, after it was revealed that Holly Willoughby will not be ch-presenting with Phillip Schofield as usual. instead the Silver Fox will be joined by disgraced Daybreak star Christine Bleakley.
It is claimed that Holly will go on to work on BBC’s The Voice.
Are you looking forward to Dancing On Ice’s return? Will you watch without Jason or Emma or even Holly?

Dancing On Ice 2012: Contestants lineup revealed?

November 12th, 2011 by Lisa McGarry.

Dancing On Ice is still two months away, but already we have a fair idea of who will be competing on the ITV show.
The channel will allow us all a few weeks break from reality TV after the end of The X Factor this Christmas, but soon into the new year they will foist the seventh series of their ice skating show onto our Sunday nights.
They appear to have gathered up a pretty decent bunch of celebrities for next year’s run too and for once, we recognise the names of almost every star rumoured to be taking part….all except for the token sportsman!


Check out the rumoured list of Dancing On Ice contestants below.
Brookside star Jennifer Ellison
Coronation Street actor Andy Whyment
Eastenders actress Laila Morse
Emmerdale star Matthew Wolfenden
Hollyoaks actress Jorgie Porter
Sugababes star Heidi Range
TV funnyman Keith Chegwin
Blue Peter star Andy Akinwolere
Ex-Spurs goalie Ian Walker
Fitness queen Rosemary Conley
Jude Law’s ex Sadie Frost
Skiing champion Chemmy Alcott
90′s pop heart throb Chesney Hawkes

Sinitta 'signs £30,000 deal to head to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'

She's certainly got the wardrobe! Sinitta 'signs £30,000 deal to head to the jungle for I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!'

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 9:50 AM on 29th October 2011




Sinitta has signed a £30.000 deal to appear on the new series of I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, it has been claimed.

The 43-year-old singer, who is best friends with Simon Cowell and used to date Brad Pitt, is said to be leaving for Australia in the next few days ahead of the series starting next month.

And ITV bosses are said to be hoping taking part in the reality show will see Sinitta reveal some of Cowell's innermost secrets.

She's got the wardrobe for it! Sinitta has signed a £30,000 deal to appear on I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here!, it has been claimed

Inside scoop: Producers will no doubt hope Sinitta will reveal Simon Cowell's secrets

A source told The Sun: 'Simon helped get her the show. She loves being on TV and she should be good value and a bit of a mother figure.

'She knows all of Simon's secrets so producers will be hoping she lets some slip.'

Sinitta is no stranger to being on television, having appeared as Cowell's right-hand woman on The X Factor for several years, and also took part in last year's Dancing On Ice.

And she certainly has the wardrobe for the jungle, having wowed fans in a bikini made entirely of leaves on The X Factor in 2009.

However, mother-of-two Sinitta is said to be terrified Cowell and his friends will keep ringing in to sign her up for the horrendous Bushtucker Trials.

A source told the Daily Star: 'She is frightened that she will get all the trials for the comedy value.

'She has worn some outrageous things on The X Factor, including leaves, so she will be right at home in the jungle.'

Other names tipped be to heading into the jungle include The Only Way Is Essex's Mark Wright, who is thought to have quit TOWIE and signed a £60,000 deal to appear on the programme.

Ready for the Bushtucker Trials? Mark Wright and Louie Spence are also apparently set for the show

Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence, former Big Brother beauty Imogen Thomas and Coronation Street's Antony Cotton have also been linked to the upcoming series.

However, an ITV spokesperson said of the rumours: 'Any names suggested are pure speculation at this stage.'


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/celebrity/article-2054989/Im-A-Celebrity-2011-Sinitta-signs-30-000-deal-head-jungle.html#ixzz1cB5vGeXQ