Sharp-tongued judge Jason Gardiner tipped for Dancing on Ice return

Jason Gardiner, who is being tipped to make a return to Dancing On Ice, after being replaced by Louie Spence in a shake-up of judges on the ITV1 skating show earlier this year. (PA)

Sharp-tongued judge Jason Gardiner is being tipped to make a return to Dancing On Ice.

Louie Spence replaced Gardiner in a shake-up of judges on the ITV1 skating show earlier this year.

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

But The Sun reported that Gardiner is in final talks to return as one of what could be four judges on this year's contest.

A source was quoted as saying: "Jason is coming back and is excited. He's missed being on the show.

"But his return will not necessarily mean that Louie gets the shove. He and Jason are great pals and have very different approaches to judging."

Gardiner 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."

The Sun said that TV bosses might increase the number of judges from three to four, with Spence and Robin Cousins remaining, together with Gardiner and a replacement for German skating legend Katarina Witt.

An ITV spokesman said: "We will announce our line up and judging panel for the new series of Dancing On Ice in due course."

PA