'Dancing On Ice is a chance to be positive': Christine Bleakley looks to the future with new roll

By J J Anisiobi

Last updated at 2:42 PM on 9th December 2011

After getting the boot from ITV's flagship morning show Christine Bleakley is looking forward to a new role.

The former host of The One Show will be taking over from Holly Willoughby for the next series of Dancing On Ice and see's it as a chance to be hopeful again.

Speaking to Woman's Own magazine she explained what a difference the show will make to her.

The futures bright: Christine Bleakley is looking forward to hosting Dancing On Ice

She said: 'It's a real pleasure and an honour to think of the new year in a positive way.'

Christine, 32, is especially looking forward to working with silver haired TV legend Philip Schofield.

She added: 'Phil is lovely - I've watched This Morning since I was no age and he's a bit of a god in the telly world.'

Out with the old: Christine and Holly catch up at a football match earlier this year

The new pairing will get the chance to gel together when they present Text Santa starting next week.

Philip, 49, said: 'The show is packed with content, it wont be just Christine and I standing there holding the fort ourselves, there will be so much going on.

The programme, which kicks of on December 11, is set to celebrate the spirit of goodwill and good fortune at Christmas.

The end of the show: Adrian Chiles and Christine said bye to the viewers earlier this week

Christine was humiliated earlier this month when it was announced she would be leaving failing ITV show Daybreak a month early.

And it seems there was no love lost between Christine Bleakley, Adrian Chiles and the morning programme as the duo left the series this morning with virtually no fanfare.

Bleakley added at the end of her final show: 'That is just about it from us, good luck and have a great Christmas. Bye bye.'

The legend: Mark Wright with TV 'god' Philip Schofield and Holly on This Morning

For the full interview see Woman's Own magazine, out now.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2071898/Christine-Bleakley-looks-future-new-Dancing-On-Ice-role.html#ixzz1g5HIlJCZ

Jason Gardiner 'left furious' as he's replaced by Louie Spence in Dancing On Ice shake-up

'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner 'left furious' as he's replaced by Louie Spence in Dancing On Ice shake-up

By Sarah Bull

Last updated at 12:01 AM on 3rd December 2011





Jason Gardiner has been left furious after being axed as a judge on Dancing On ice by Louie Spence.

The acid-tongued presenter is said to have told friends he feels 'stitched up' by ITV bosses' decision to replace him with Pineapple Dance Studios' Louie Spence.

It is believed executives decided to get rid of Gardiner following his controversial comments on the show, including when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber after telling her: 'If your opinion still mattered, you'd be on the panel'.

'I've been stitched up!' Jason Gardiner is said to be furious after being replaced by Louie Spence as a judge on Dancing On Ice

A source told the Daily Mirror: 'There have been criticisms that Jason had got too harsh, with many viewers questioning whether he was qualified to criticise ice skating.

'Viewers don't mind fair criticism but there is a real feeling that last year things went too far. It's likely to leave Jason feeling more than a bit red-faced after what he said to Karen last year.'

However, a source close to Gardiner insisted it was his decision to leave the series, adding: 'Negotiations were ongoing. ITV did initially try to reach agreement but there were stumbling blocks over pay and the producers' lack of commitment to him.

Controversial: Jason hit the headlines last year when he was accused of 'bullying' former judge Karen Barber

'Jason was annoyed that they didn't immediately give him their becaing for another series, but he's worried that viewers will think he's been dropped over the row with Karen last year - that is absolutely not the case.'

As well as Gardiner leaving the show, his fellow judge Emma Bunton is also off, with Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt taking her place.

As they were: Emma Bunton is also off, but head judge Robin Cousins will return for the new series

Spence and Witt will be joining head judge Robin Cousins on the panel.

Spence - who has also hosted his own series Showbusiness - said: 'I'm looking forward to being part of such a challenging and spectacular show and can't wait to give my encouragement and critique on the contestants' dance and performance on the ice.'

New judge Witt dominated figure skating for more than a decade winning Olympic golds in 1984 and 1988, before going on to win an Emmy for the 1990 film Carmen on Ice.

New faces: Former Olympic figure skating champion Katarina Witt will be taking the place left by Emma Bunton

Expertise: Katarina took home Olympic golds for figure skating in 1984 and 1988

She said: 'I can't wait to join the Dancing On Ice judging panel. As well as offering support and constructive advice to this year's celebrity skaters I'm also looking forward to working alongside my close friends Torvill and Dean.'

Back for more: Coaches Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, as well as Karen Barber will return in the New Year

Talking of the new arrivals, ITV's controller of entertainment Layla Smith said: 'The pair have a wealth of experience which they will be bringing to the new series.

'Their unique flare and passion for their professions will doubtless make for some interesting debates.'

She added: 'We'd like to thank Emma Bunton and Jason Gardiner for their valued contribution during previous series and wish them both all the best with their future projects.'

Mother-of-two Bunton is leaving the series after two years as a judge. She said she wanted to concentrate on other things, including her Heart FM radio show and the launch of a children's clothing range.

She will also be involved with the launch of the musical Viva Forever! - based on the songs of The Spice Girls and written by Jennifer Saunders - in the West End next year.

Bunton - known for many years as Baby Spice - said: 'I loved working on Dancing On Ice; it was so much fun and I love the team.

'I made this decision as I have to prioritise all the exciting projects lined up for me next year, as well as my Heart FM radio show, and juggle these with being a busy mum.
'I wish everyone on the show the best of luck.'

The new series will see the return of head coach Karen Barber, to offer her expertise to the show's celebrity skaters, while former host Holly Willoughby will be replaced by Christine Bleakley.


Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2069312/Dancing-On-Ice-2012-judges-Jason-Gardiner-Emma-Bunton-leave-Louie-Spence-joins-panel.html#ixzz1fT1U9qxu