Jason Gardiner is set to return to 'Dancing On Ice'.
Jason Gardiner
The 45-year-old Australian, who frequently raised eyebrows with his outspoken criticism, is reportedly poised to return to the show's judging panel following its three-year break from TV screens.
A source told The Sun newspaper: "Producers know that he provides real entertainment value, even if he can be really harsh.
"He's a natural TV personality and brings a pantomime villain character to the table, as well as being a genuine expert in his field.
"Everyone's really excited about his big return, but are braced for fireworks."
Jason will feature on the show's judging panel alongside Olympic gold medal-winning duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, while ice dancer Sylvain Longchambon is to appear as a coach.
But Jason's return is sure to attract the most interest, as the outspoken star has previously been at the centre of a number of infamous rows, including when he walked out on the programme in 2012.
Jason subsequently claimed ITV begged him to return, saying: "ITV did the show without me for a year and it obviously didn't work, so they asked me back.
"They realised it desperately needed what I can bring and, in asking me to come back, they have admitted that they were wrong.
"On my first day, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean said to me, 'You're going to bring back the competitive element we've missed'.
"I give the celebrities the fear factor and the motivation to improve."
Jason also rubbished criticism of his judging style.
He said: "I never patronise them. They have got enough judges on the panel who are going to do that and just tell them how wonderful they are all the time."
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