Jason Gardiner ‘in talks’ to come back to Dancing On Ice following ITV’s decision to bring back ice-skating reality show
JASON Gardiner is "in talks" to return to Dancing on Ice following ITV's shock decision to resurrect the reality show.
The Sun exclusively revealed this week that the ice skating show is set to return to the small screen after it finished in 2014.
The Sun Online can now exclusively reveal the show's resident 'Mr Nasty' is currently in talks with producers to return to the judging panel.
The Australian choreographer and singer was known for his hilarious cutting remarks and hard to impress attitude, which viewers absolutely loved.
An insider exclusively told us: "No other dance show on ITV has been as successful at Dancing On Ice and so they're determined to get it back on air.
"Jason Gardiner was the most popular judge by far and so he's already in talks to come back.
"It wouldn't be the same without Jason and so they're determined to get him back on the panel as viewers absolutely love him.
"Producers have also had discussions with the other judges as they're keen to get them all on board."
While ITV have yet to confirm Dancing On Ice has been commissioned, the public appetite is there for the show to return.
The popular ITV show, once the third-highest rated on telly, is thought to be on channel boss Kevin Lygo's hitlist for 2017.
The show, originally hosted by Phillip Schofield, 54, and Holly Willoughby, 36, was axed in 2014 after nine series due to tumbling viewing figures.
But Kevin is now keen to revive the show which became a surprise hit and pulled in 13 million viewers at its peak.
The figure skating reality programme saw celebrities battle it out on the ice under the watchful eye of former Olympic champions.
It is thought it could eventually replace glitzy celebrity talent show Dance Dance Dance, which is fronted by Alesha Dixon, 38, and fills the Sunday night slot on ITV.
A source said: “Kevin always thought ITV axing Dancing on Ice was a mistake so now the idea of bringing it back is being looked at.
“It was a smash hit, and even at its worst was still pulling in more than some of the shows currently on telly - particularly in the Sunday night slot.
“It’s very early days and nothing has been commissioned just yet but it’s definitely on the to-do list.
"A Sunday night slot would make a lot of sense."
Channel boss Lygo - who became ITV's director of television earlier this year - thinks the show was canned prematurely three years ago.
Talking last year, he said: “I think when Dancing On Ice was cut, it was felt, 'oh we need to refresh, it’s gone down a bit in the ratings.
"I watched it, it was the most lovely family show and a really good feeling and distinctive and brilliantly produced, and actually I wish it had gone on a bit longer."
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