Dancing On Ice judge Louie Spence 'kicked to the kerb' in favour of Jason Gardiner

Jason Gardiner (left) and Louie Spence (right) as Gardiner is returning to Dancing On Ice after his replacement Spence was "kicked to the kerb". (PA)

Sharp-tongued judge Jason Gardiner is returning to Dancing On Ice after his replacement Louie Spence was "kicked to the kerb".

Spence, who replaced Gardiner this year, said he was still a big fan of the ITV1 show despite his exit.

He told ITV's This Morning: "What can I say? I thought I was pretty fabulous myself but, no, I've been kicked to the kerb. That's showbusiness. One day you're in, one day you're out. Dancing On Ice always change up their panel."

"I think it's a great idea because then they've always got different opinions. If you watch some of these shows, judges always repeat the same things year in, year out. I think having the change up is great."

Australian Gardiner, who famously described watching swimming champion Sharron Davies dance as looking at "faecal matter that won't flush", started as a judge when the show launched in 2006.

He also caused controversy when he was accused of bullying former judge Karen Barber by telling her: "If your opinion still mattered, you'd be on the panel."

Gardiner's comments have also included telling Chloe Madeley she had a "baboon bottom" and ex-Neighbours star Craig McLachlan that he looked like he was performing with a "soiled nappy".

Spence, who rose to fame in Sky docu-soap Pineapple Dance Studios, said he would still be offering his opinion.

He told This Morning: "You know what, I'll be on Twitter like I am on every other show having my say anyway so, you know, I'm the people's judge again."

PA