JUDGE JASON VOWS TO GET I’M NOT A
DANCING on Ice judge Jason Gardiner says mouthy celebs are heading for a spectacular fall if they go to war with him in the new series, starting tonight.
Jason is famous for his brutal critiques and will, as usual, pull p no punches.
But with feisty stars like former Strictly pro James Jordan and reality d iva Gemma Collins among this year’s crop, we could be in for the fieriest series yet.
Jason, 47, says: “If they want to play that game, we’ve seen people try and fail spectacularly. It’s about endearing yourself to the home viewer because they pick up the phone and vote. They’re the fifth judge.
“If they don’t charm the viewer, being mouthy for the sake of it will work against you. I always say, give people enough rope and I can’t wait to watch them hang themselves.”
Revelling in his Mr Nasty tag, Jason even says his X Factor rival Simon Cowell should take a leaf out of his book.
He goes on: “I love people that don’t like me. Simon now is all a bit nice. A bit wet.
“What viewers did he get for the last series, five mi l l ion? The figures speak for themselves.
“I don’t set out to be controversial. I don’t set off to have spats. All I maintain is that I’m going to tell you the truth. If you need improvement I give you tough love. I’m not here to blow smoke up you. If you’re good I’ll praise you. I’m very fair.”
Among those getting their skates on are Grease star Didi Conn, Corrie’s Jane 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 wha t 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.”
I always say give people enough rope and watch them hang themselves JASON GARDINER TELLY JUDGE ON HANDLING STARS
SINGER Brian was first to leave boy band Westlife and go solo.
He had highprofile relationships with Kerry Katona, (his ex-wife, who was on Dancing on Ice in 2011), Delta Goodrem and Vogue Williams.
Brian is a reality show veteran with stints on The Jump and Stepping Out under his belt. He was also a judge on Australia’s Got Talent and Australian Idol.
He says: “I’m very excited. I’ve practised in the garden on my rollerblades and my mum says I’m a one-man
Torvill and
Dean!” FINNISH pop artist Saara has appeared in the Eurovision Song Contest three times – finishing 25th in the last event.
She is no stranger to British reality TV either, having reached the X Factor final in 2016.
Saara has also been runner-up of The Voice Finland and voiced Princess Anna in the Finnish translation of Disney movie Frozen.
She says: “We skated a lot when we grew up. So I might think I need to be really good and then do too much
– and hurt myself.” EARLY bookies’ favourite Wes is the youngest celebrity in the contest. He was in the sunshine dating show Love Island last year, finishing fourth.
Wes was paired with viewers’ favourite Laura for most of the series before switching his allegiances to
Megan.
He says: “I’m just going to do exactly what I did in the villa, which was to be myself and enjoy it for what it is.
“It’s an amazing experience and I’m really lucky and grateful to be a part of it.” BEST known for playing Joe Mangel in Aussie soap Neighbours between 1988 and 1991.
Mark has since been a firm fixture on British TV, appearing as a regular panellist on The Wright Stuff.
He has been on Celebrity Masterchef and Big Brother’s Bit On The Side and is a writer, comic and actor.
Mark says: “My biggest fear is the safety of my partner. I’m not afraid to dance. Growing up in the country in Australia, country dance was very important.” HAS played Corrie’s Leanne Battersby since 1997 and will continue filming while taking part in Dancing on Ice.
Her ice partner is Frenchman Sylvain Longchambon, who wed Jane’s co-star Samia Ghadie after falling for her in the 2013 series.
Jane appeared alongside four co-stars as a Spice Girl in the first celebrity edition of Stars In Their Eyes.
She says of DOI: “It’s a dream. I’m looking forward to it and trying not to think about being damaged.”