While the move was praised by many fans, Jason – who won’t be returning for the new series – has admitted he’s not sure ITV is going to handle the partnership appropriately.
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Jason Gardiner
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Speaking on Jeremy Vine’s Channel 5 series, Jason said: “All I hope is that it isn’t tokenism, and that they don’t make it camp and flamboyant and that it’s a proper partnership because it has to also have that romance.”
“I hope it is handled correctly and with dignity. I hope it’s not made light of,” he added. “Well, it is ITV. Sorry, ITV, but you know, it’s true.
“Will it become stereotypical? Because on mainstream media we’re fine to do camp with gay men, but we don’t want gay men to be romantic. We don’t really want to see that, and this is an opportunity for them to break the ice.”
Joining H on the line-up will be former Love Island finalist Maura Higgins, TV personality Michael Barrymore and talk show host Trisha Goddard.
Check out all the celebrities taking part below...
Dancing On Ice 2019 Line Up
Michael Barrymore(01 of11)
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Known for: TV personality and entertainer
He says: "I'm delighted to say that I'll be joining the Dancing on Ice line up for 2020. I'm looking forward to meeting Holly and Phil. I'm very excited...it's performance time!" (credit:Empics Entertainment)
Maura Higgins(02 of11)
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Known for: Love Island contestant
She says: "I've skated once in my life for fun, so I've no experience at all. I'm up for the challenge. I'm more excited than scared. I'm competitive so I think that will drive me." (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Kevin Kilbane(03 of11)
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Known for: Football pundit and former player
He says: "I am going on as a total novice. I'm starting from scratch here. This is going to be a massive challenge for me. I've been taking it easy for the last few years since I finished (football) so let's just see how this one goes." (credit:PA Wire/PA Images)
Lucrezia Millarini(04 of11)
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Known for: ITV newsreader
She says: "I'm super excited to be joining the line up for DOI! I can't wait to get out there on the ice and start training. While the news agenda is already pretty busy these days, I know life is about to get a lot busier...with a few bruises along the way!" (credit:EMPICS Entertainment)
Ian 'H' Watkins(05 of11)
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Known for: Steps singer
He says: "What am I doing? I have frantically been You Tubing James Jordan and Ray Quinn. I have kids now so it's a skill I can learn and take my kids to the ice. It's scary and exciting and now there's no turning back. I know I'm going to be put through my paces and that's the name of the game." (credit:PA Archive/PA Images)
Lisa George(06 of11)
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Known for: Coronation Street star
She says: "I haven't been on the ice for about 40 years. Yesterday was my first session on the ice. It was good, I really enjoyed it, I did't fall. I was a bit scared, I was quite nervous. I can't believe I'm 50 next year and I just thought 'if I don't do this now I'm never going to have the chance to do it again'." (credit:Doug Peters/EMPICS Entertainment)
Perri Kiely(07 of11)
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Known for: Member of dance troupe Diversity, which DOI judge Ashley Banjo leads
He says: “I’ve done a couple of training sessions. Not gonna lie, it’s hard. It’s game face.” (credit:Tim P. Whitby via Getty Images)
Libby Clegg(08 of11)
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Known for: Paralympic sprinter
She says: "After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought 'what else can I do?' This opportunity came about and I couldn't pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things." (credit:Tabatha Fireman via Getty Images)
Joe Swash(09 of11)
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Known for: Former EastEnders star and TV personality
He says: "I can't even dance on a dance floor so Dancing on Ice is just a silly idea! I've done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey [Solomon, his girlfriend] thinks it's funny. I'm going to learn how to skate and I'll do it with a smile on my face." (credit:David M. Benett via Getty Images)
Ben Hanlin(10 of11)
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Known for: TV magician
He says: "Can I ice skate? Barely. But I did say to the producers 'if I'm going to do this, can I try to do magic on ice?' I will try and attempt to put magic into the show if I can. We start tomorrow! On the ice for the very first time." (credit:SOPA Images via Getty Images)
Trisha Goddard(11 of11)
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Known for: Former talk show host
She says: "I love physical stuff. Every day I bike ride, I weight train, I love any physical thing. I learnt to ski at 37, I learnt to roller blade at 42. I'm 62 in December. I thought 'why not?' (credit:Dave Kotinsky via Getty Images)