Gemma Collins thinks it is "great news" that Jason Gardiner may not return to ‘Dancing On Ice’.
The reality TV star has responded to reports the BBC figure skating competition’s judge might not be back for the next series, and after their spat during her run on the show earlier this year it’s clear she wouldn’t be disappointed to see him leave the programme.
When asked what she thought about reports Jason may not be on the panel, she told ITV’s ‘Good Morning Britain’: "Hallelujah. Let’s be fair he only works twice a year in TV.
"I think he does ‘Dancing on Ice’ and panto. Would we miss him this year? Hell no. People are probably watching this thinking, ‘She’s a bit strong.’
"But you can criticise someone, but you don’t have to get personal. Criticise me all day long but don’t get personal, especially with mental health now and bullying and stuff like that.
"So yeah, hallelujah. This is great news. My show launches tonight, Jason Gardiner is not coming back, it couldn’t be better."
Her comments come following claims ‘Dancing on Ice’ bosses may replace Jason if they can find someone suitable.
An insider told The Sun newspaper: "After the rows with Gemma last year, producers started to make quiet inquiries about potential replacements."
Gemma – whose new reality show ‘Gemma Collins: Diva Forever’ launches tonight (07.08.19) on ITVBe – clashed with the choreographer a number of times throughout the competition, which aired at the beginning of the year.
Back in March, he apologised for comparing her to a refrigerator, and insisted he didn’t realise his remark had caused such a backlash.
He said: "Ignorance is bliss, I don’t know about this. I don’t engage on the social media platforms like that.
"It’s something that I find gets magnified and distorted and people jump on a bandwagon. You can’t really buy in to it."
When told his comments had been interpreted as fat-shaming, he added: "Oh god no. If people are taking it that way I’m really sorry. It was a way of diffusing any tension and making light of the situation."
Gemma had previously hit out at Jason for "bullying" her over his comment and announced she wouldn’t be at the final because she didn’t want him to be "anywhere near" her.
She wrote on Instagram: "I’m really tired of being BULLIED by this man …. I wish you would stop ….. it’s very very upsetting and hurtful let it go Jason stop bullying me ENOUGH is ENOUGH.
"I won’t be bullied any more making me feel uncomfortable to come back to the final on Sunday ! I was looking forward to Sunday but won’t be anywhere near someone who’s BULLYING me.
"This is NOT ACCEPTABLE on any level comparing any human to an electrical appliance is not acceptable #STANDUPTOBULLIES. (sic)"
Gemma Collins reignites Jason Gardiner feud
