Former Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner has admitted he has some concerns about the show’s upcoming same-sex partnership.
Earlier this month, it was revealed that Steps singer H Watkins would be paired with professional skater Matt Evers on the upcoming series, in what will be the first time two people of the same sex have ever danced together on the show.
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.
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.”
On the upcoming series, Jason will be replaced on the ice panel by former contestant John Barrowman, while Christopher Dean, Jayne Torvill and Ashley Banjo will all be returning.
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...
