Dancing On Ice’s Jason Gardiner vows to be as ruthless as ever

Three years away from Dancing On Ice hasn’t softened Jason Gardiner.

It was confirmed yesterday that the Australian choreographer WILL be back as a judge on the show when it returns in 2018.

Jason will join Olympic skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean on the Ice Panel, having previously coached the contestants.

And the ever critical Jason – who often found himself in hot water for his brutal comments to the celebs – has vowed to be as ruthless as ever.

“It’s got to the point where people are too scared saying the truth,” Jason said this week. “We are now being forced into censorship at a time when we have the ability to really express ourselves.”

He told The Sun newspaper: “We’ve become so hypersensitive now about the truth that if you have a strong opinion and you are a public persona then you better have some pretty tough skin, because there are a lot of people ready to come at you.

“I will still be honest because I can back up my honesty with technical fact and expertise. Remember, that’s all I’m judging.

“I will judge on their performance and if that critique sometimes is considered too harsh — then tough.”

Meanwhile, Jason opened up about what happened after the show was originally axed by ITV in 2014, saying it changed his life.

“The phone stopped ringing and all those people who promised you the earth just fall by the wayside,” he explained. “And that’s a bit of a harsh reality because I had invested my time, energy and friendship in some of these people.”

Dancing On Ice will be back on our screens in early 2018 for what will be its tenth overall series.

Original presenters Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will return as hosts, while bosses are said to be constructing a purpose-built arena featuring two ice rinks.