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Dancing On Ice judges pictured for first time following Jason Gardiner’s exit

All smiles as they posed for a pic with new show signing

The new line-up of Dancing On Ice judges have been snapped together for the first time.

Ashley Banjo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were all smiles as they posed for a pic with new show signing John Barrowman, who replaces Jason Gardiner on the panel.

I’m A Celebrity star John – a contestant in the first series of the ITV skating show in 2006 – confirmed he would be filling the spot vacated by series veteran Jason.

Excited fans predicted that John will be an improvement to the show after the image was posted on Twitter and Instagram.

https://www.instagram.com/p/B3NONhGB9Nj/

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“At last a great panel who can give advice without being nasty. Perfect,” commented one follower.

“BEST panel EVER, I cannot wait,” added another DOI devotee.

A third person remarked: “Look how happier everyone looks, just saying.”

However, not everyone was overjoyed at the thought of not seeing Jason on the series in the future.

Jason has left the show (Credit: ITV)

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One conflicted viewer wrote: “Shame to see Jason gone, he brought the drama lol. But I absolutely LOVE @JohnBarrowman so I’m happy with this.”

Head judge Jayne also previously admitted she will “miss” Jason.

“I think we will miss Jason and his combination of comments, his straight forward comments,” she said.

The Olympic legend continued: “Now we have a new member but I think it will be fun. John is a funny guy with loads of energy.”

Among the famous faces that will be competing on the rink are Caprice, Trisha GoddardLove Island‘s Maura Higgins, Michael Barrymore, former footballer Kevin Kilbane, ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini and Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins.

Coronation Street actress Lisa George, Diversity’s Perri Kiely, Paralympian Libby Clegg, Joe Swash and magician Ben Hanlin have also signed up.

The show is expected to begin airing on ITV in January.

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Robert Leigh
Freelance writer

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