'Rude' Jason Gardiner criticised by 'Dancing on Ice' fans for Didi Conn insults
Dancing on Ice is back, and acid-tongued judge Jason Gardiner has wasted no time in launching straight back into his usual tough criticism.
But some viewers feel that the skating show’s Mr Nasty has gone too far this time, with insults levelled at Grease star Didi Conn overstepping the mark in fans’ opinions.
Conn, 67, is a contestant in this series of the ITV contest and took on a Grease-themed routine in which she wore her original Pink Ladies jacket from her role as Frenchy, complete with mustard stain from the film’s set.
Fans were impressed by her flexibility and bravery on the ice given her age, but couldn’t believe it when Gardiner laid into her for “dining out” on the movie’s song ‘We Go Together’ which she skated to.
The way Jason spoke to Didi was disrespectful and unacceptable. She was such a lovely gracious woman and she didn’t deserve that! #DancingOnIce
— The Girl with the Glasses (@priestner91) January 6, 2019
He said: “My family are going to disown me over this, but I feel a little bit conned tonight because you’ve dined out on this song for at least 40 years.”
Conn looked taken aback and spluttered “not really”, but he continued: “It’s been synonymous with you, surely. So I would imagine you would have more Christmas and attack in the execution of the choreography.”
#dancingonice Didi Conn needs an apology for Jason Gardner. To say anyone has eaten out on any role when they doing it at 67 is appalling. #getsomerespect #jasonappologise #didiweloveyou
— James Baird (@Jrfbaird) January 6, 2019
Jason feels conned by a 67 year old woman dancing on ice – let’s see how he moves at 67 – well done Didi #dancingonice
— Margaret Hanson (@margyhanson21) January 6, 2019
Love Didi, thought she gone great for her first skate & if I look & have half the energy she has at 67 I’d be very happy – so what’s she’s “dined out” on that song from Grease, she’s still known 40 years on, what are you going to be remembered for in 40 years Jason? #DancingOnIce
— Jo (@GellatlyJo) January 6, 2019
Even Gardiner seemed to realise he’d said too much, as he ended with: “I love you. I’m going to hate myself in the morning.”
Viewers were appalled by the ice judge’s rudeness in his critiques.
But #JasonGardiner – why do you have to be SO rude – I don't enjoy listening to your point scoring. #DancingonIce.
— Susan Pola (@susan_pola) January 7, 2019
This show will never be watchable with Jason Gardiner on it – he’s nasty for the sake of it – Strictly certainly never need worry – poles apart! #DancingOnIce @ITV
— David (@David_HMFC) January 7, 2019
Conn, who had given a film-star worthy performance full of smiles and energy, joked when she came off the ice that she needed an oil can for her joints.
The other judges were much kinder to Conn, who whilst being far from the best skater, is the show’s biggest signing this year and gave an impressive debut for a 67-year-old new to the ice.
Former Neighbours star Mark Little was voted to take on the skate-off next week against the next episode’s worst performer.
Reality TV queen Gemma Collins managed to get through her debut despite having suffered what she called a “major fall” just an hour before the show, and ex-Strictly pro dancer James Jordan topped the scores with an impressive 30.5 out of 40.
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