JANINE YAQOOB KAREN ROCKETT
Baywatch star Pam lasted just a week Jason will dish out ‘tough love’
Danson and ex-westlife singer Brian Mcfadden. Jason says it’s the only time in the show’s 12-year history that he recognises most of the stars. But he admits: “Never heard of the person from Love Island (Wes Nelson).” As it happens, Wes is the bookies’ early favourite to win at 7-4. Actor and comedian Richard Blackwood is next at 11-2 while the likes of Didi and actor Mark Little are 33-1 outsiders. Jason says the star factor will only take contestants so far, adding: “Look what happened with Pamela Anderson. I voted her off in week one. She was paid a fortune and skated for one-anda-half minutes. She loves me! “Ultimately, what impresses me is a novice going from zero to hero. If you’ve skated a bit, you’ve played ice hockey or were born in Finland and skated out of the womb with ice skates – is it as impressive? “If I know you’re a dancer, like James, or you’re a performer and skated before, I expect a lot more. I will judge you more harshly.” The celebs, however, aren’t losing too much sleep over Jason. Gemma says: “Jason’s all right. It’s a pantomime. It’s all about making good TV – that’s why they booked me.” Loose Women panellist and Sunday Mirror columnist Saira Khan chips in: “I don’t mind feedback so that I can improve, but if it’s personal I’m not going to just sit there laying down.” Brian insists: “I’m not an ice skater. So if they tell me I’m s*** I’ll go ‘I know!’” And James adds: “I know I’m not great at ice skating. I’d like to think I won’t answer back... but you never know.” Dancing on Ice starts tonight on ITV1, 6pm.
I always say give people enough rope and watch them hang themselves JASON GARDINER TELLY JUDGE ON HANDLING STARS