ITV confirms Jason Gardiner WILL be back as a judge on Dancing On Ice 2018

ITV has confirmed that Dancing On Ice’s very own Mr Nasty, Jason Gardiner, WILL be returning to the show’s judging panel in 2018.

Rumours over Jason’s involvement have been circulating since long before Dancing On Ice’s revival was made official last month.

Now, the Australian choreographer has confirmed his comeback by appearing on today’s episode of Lorraine.

The ITV breakfast show’s announcement was later retweeted by the @DancingOnIce Twitter page.

Four judges have now signed up for the new series, although Jason is the only one resuming his duties from the original run.

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

The trio will be joined by Ashley Banjo, frontman of Britain’s Got Talent-winning dance group Diversity.

Speaking on Lorraine about his return, Jason said: “It’s an exciting show to do. It’s going to be exciting to see Torvill and Dean on the judging panel because they are ice-skating royalty.

“Their credentials stack up, but it is the first time they’ve judged. It’s quite difficult to be a good judge on these shows and remain impartial.”

The 45-year-old also hinted that he will be not be toning down his feedback on the performances.

“It’s only fair to the contestants to go in there open and give them an honest critique,” he commented.

“I’m honest. As you know, I always call it as I see it.”

Jason’s controversial comments often landed Dancing On Ice in hot water.

One notable incident during the 2010 series saw over 400 fans complain to Ofcom after he compared Sharron Davies to “faecal matter that won’t flush”.

Dancing On Ice will be back on our screens in early 2018, four years after it was axed by ITV.

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.