‘IF IT’S BAD, I’LL TELL YOU IT’S BAD!’
He’s got some big shoes to fill on the judging panel after replacing acid-tongued panellist Jason Gardiner, but
John Barrowman is up for the challenge.
The 52-year-old actor, who was a contestant in the first ever series of Dancing On Ice in 2006, admits he’s not afraid to cast a critical eye over this year’s crop of contestants.
Here, John reveals he’s always got his skates on and says you’ll have to work hard to be called “fabulous”…
Hi John! You’re replacing
Jason Gardiner on the panel.
Are you going to be the new Mr Nasty?
I’m going to be the most evil, the most vicious, vile… no. That’s a question I really can’t answer until I start judging, and then you guys can see what kind of judge I’m going to be. I do know what I’m talking about as a judge. I’ll be looking for the performance level, I’ll be looking for elements of their dance skills and how fearless they are on the ice.
I’ll be critical and honest. If it’s bad, I’ll tell you it’s bad.
Having been a contestant yourself, how will that affect your judging critique?
I will be critical, but I’ll have a little bit of compassion, knowing that they’re bricking it when they’re coming through the tunnel. I know what they’re going through in rehearsals, and the stress of having another job to go to during the day or looking after kids. But at the end of the day you’re here to do this on the show, and there are no excuses.
Have you bonded with the other judges?
I’ve slept with all three of them already! [Laughs]. We’re hitting it off. I’ve known Chris Dean and Jayne Torvill since season one and every time I’ve seen them it’s like meeting a family member. And I met Ashley Banjo six months ago. It’s like a new family.
Will we see you performing on the ice again?
I don’t know! But I’ll let you in on a secret. When you see me behind that table, just know that underneath it I have my skates on.
You’ve said you’re proud there’s going to be a same-sex couple for the first time this year. Would you like to dance with a man on the ice yourself?
I’d love to!
Would you carry Ashley across the ice?
If I had to carry Ashley Banjo, believe it, girl, I would carry him! I don’t know if they would ask me to do that. One thing I’m so proud of is the fact there is a couple now who represent someone like me and I can see them skate, like me and my husband [Scott] would skate. I hope in future series we have two women or someone who’s trans.
Will we see much use of your “fabulous” catchphrase used in the series?
The fabulous will come out, but it’s only going to come out when it’s deserved. If you want a fabulous, you’ll have to work your ass off!