Jason Gardiner claims he has been through ‘some very dark times’ since being axed from Dancing On Ice.
The former judge, 49, left the show three years ago, following a series that saw him at loggerheads with contestant Gemma Collins.
Jason told The Sun on Saturday: ‘By the end the show was too toxic. I went through some very dark times after it all played out.
Aftermath: Jason Gardiner claims he has been through ‘some very dark times’ since leaving Dancing On Ice
‘And I realised I wasn’t valued in any way, shape or form by ITV.’
The drama between Jason and Gemma played out on the 2019 series, with them at each other’s throats during the critiquing.
When he left, Gemma remarked ‘hallelujah!’, leaving Jason seething.
ITV confirmed on Friday that Dancing On Ice 2021 has been cut short after five celebrities were forced to quit due to injury and coronavirus.
Feud: The former judge, 49, left the show three years ago, following a series that saw him at loggerheads with contestant Gemma Collins
Loggerheads: The drama between Jason and Gemma played out on the 2019 series, with them at each other’s throats during the critiquing
Sharing his displeasure at the show returning at all this year, Jason said: ‘They should never have done it in the first place and it’s playing out now they’re going to have to shorten the show — that’s a classic fail, in my view.’
He added that he had tried to watch the latest series but felt it was ‘flat’ and ‘predictable’, and claimed it was obvious the stars were under so much pressure they looked worn down while skating.
Jason, who was known for his harsh critiques on the show, also claimed he thought the judges were being too nice to contestants because of the current climate.
On Friday, ITV confirmed that the show’s finale will now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21.
Hitting out: Sharing his displeasure at the show returning, Jason said: ‘They should never have done it in the first place and it’s playing out now they’re going to have to shorten the show’
Thoughts: Jason (pictured on the show in 2019) added: ‘Every injury and hospital appointment is obviously a strain the NHS does not need right now’
A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week. The competition’s final will now take place on Sunday 14th March.
‘Our production team and cast have delivered a fantastic show during incredibly challenging times.
‘Continuing to make the best TV for our viewers is our top priority and we look forward to the rest of the series, on air from this Sunday at 6pm.’
Shock: On Friday, ITV confirmed that the show would be cut short after five stars have had to quit due to injuries and getting Covid-19 (Jason Donovan and Alexandra Schauman pictured)
Changes: It was confirmed that the show’s finale would now be taking place on Sunday March 14, instead of the original date of March 21 (Billie Faiers and Mark Hanretty pictured)
The show was cancelled last week after several celebrity contestants quit due to their skating injuries and positive coronavirus tests.
Jason Donovan was the latest celebrity to depart the show following a back injury, as he announced on Monday that he would not be returning to the ITV show.
He became the fifth star to bow out of the ‘cursed’ competition after Denise Van Outen and Billie Faiers had to leave due to injuries and Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant were axed following positive Covid test results.
Choice: A spokesperson for the show said in a statement: ‘ITV have taken the decision to move the final of Dancing on Ice forward by one week’
Difficult decision: The show was cancelled last week after several celebrity contestants quit the show (Faye Brooks and Hamish Gaman pictured)
Following Jason’s departure, ITV said in a statement: ‘Jason Donovan has brought us so much joy with his performances on Dancing On Ice – from Priscilla through to the tango.
‘Our thanks go to Jason and his partner Alex for being so wonderful and committed to the series. We’re sorry to see them leave and we wish Jason a speedy recovery.’
Jason had previously announced he’d pulled out of the Valentine’s Day live episode after being advised to rest due to a back injury, but had vowed to return.
It was then revealed all of DOI would be taking a weeks break and the show did not air on Sunday (February 21), to give skaters time to recover following a series of axes.
He’s out! Jason became the fifth star to bow out of the ‘cursed’ competition following Denise Van Outen, Billie Faiers, Rufus Hound and Joe-Warren Plant’s departures
Jason, who has since shared clips of himself undergoing electric physio treatment, said in a statement at the time: ‘I’ve had back pain the past couple of days and I’m under doctor’s orders to take it easy and sit this week out.
‘I’m resting up, I’ll be watching from home and cheering everyone on and I look forward to returning next week.’
However on Monday the actor announced his permanent exit from the competition, sharing a video to Facebook as he told fans he’s ‘completely gutted’ to withdraw.
Jason said: ‘I am devastated to announce that due to this ongoing back issue which occurred on DOI about 10 days ago and at the advice of my medical team in the show that unfortunately I can’t continue the competition and therefore have to withdraw.
‘Ongoing back issue’: Speaking in a video shared on Facebook on Monday, the performer said the injury ‘occurred on DOI about 10 days ago’ and he had to leave on the advice of doctors
‘It’s a nightmare and I’m completely gutted, we put so much work into getting to this point, but I have to respect my heath and body moving forward and that’s my biggest priority.’
The actor continued by thanking everyone at Dancing On Ice, from the judges to the hosts and crew, for their support during his stint on the rink.
He continued: ‘And I want to thank the celebs whose become friends and the pros who just do such a good job with us all. I want to thank the fans for voting for me.
‘Gutted’: Jason said he was devastated to leave the competition and thanked his pro partner Alexandra who’d been ‘a beacon of support’ (pictured on the show in January)
‘At times those costumes were colourful and moves slightly dubious but we tried! We went out there and gave it our best.’
However his biggest praise was saved for his ‘patient’ professional partner Alex, who he called a ‘beacon of support’ during the competition.
Jason gushed: ‘Most importantly I want to thank Alex, my dance partner who has been a beacon of support and believed in me at times I didn’t even believe in myself.
‘She’s been patient and that time we’ve spent together on the ice rehearsing and getting these routines has been what this whole experience has been about, and that friendship that I have with her goes beyond the show.’
Oh dear: Denise (pictured with Matt Evers last month) was forced to drop out too, after she dislocated her shoulder
Dropping numbers: Reality star Billie was the second celebrity to leave the show when she suffered a concussion in training
The star finished his emotional video by saying: ‘I want to wish everyone the best for the series, I will be sitting at home this Sunday night and watching and cheering you all on. In the meantime, stay safe and stay healthy and take lots of care.’
This year’s series has been hit by a long line of celeb exits, leaving some to think the season is ‘cursed’, and producers to run out of ‘back ups’ for the first time.
Emmerdale’s Joe-Warren and his pro partner Vanessa were forced to withdraw after they both tested positive for COVID-19 while Denise exited the show after injuring her shoulder in three places and dislocating it.
Billie was then forced to quit the competition after hitting her head and suffering from a concussion, while Rufus announced his shock exit after testing positive for coronavirus.
Another drop out: Comedian Rufus quit the show entirely, after testing positive for COVID-19
As well as the celebs, pro skater Yebin Mok, who was partnered with Graham Bell, had to bow out of the show following a freak accident which saw her suffer ‘a very nasty wound from an ice blade’.
And skater Hamish, who had been competing with Faye, also withdrew from the series following an injury while putting on a sock.
News of Jason’s exit from the show follows speculation that Joe-Warren and Vanessa may return after completing their 10-day Covid isolation.
According to the Sun, if the Emmerdale actor and his pro partner receive a negative test before the next show they will be allowed to return, after it was announced on Friday they would be leaving the programme.
It has previously been stated by the skating show that one positive test would mean permanent exclusion from the series.
Upset: Joe-Warren and his partner Vanessa were forced to withdraw after they tested positive for Covid, but there’s speculation they could return after their 10-day isolation
However due to the show’s dropping number of contestants due to several injuries, it is no surprise they appear to be considering revising the rules.
It is understood that bosses have not extended the same offer to other pairings because they all missed more than one public vote.
Joe-Warren and Vanessa will likely be allowed to return as they have only missed one week of the public vote due to their positive Covid test.
MailOnline contacted Dancing On Ice, Joe-Warren and Vanessa’s representatives for further comment at the time.
Dancing On Ice will continue this Sunday at 6pm with Rebekah Vardy, Lady Leshurr, Colin Jackson, Sonny Jay and Faye Brookes remaining in the competition.