John Barrowman is axed as judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice

John Barrowman
(Image credit: Getty)

John Barrowman has been axed as a judge on ITV's Dancing on Ice.

John Barrowman will not return as a judge on Dancing on Ice, ITV has confirmed.

The entertainer, 54, who has starred on the show since 2019 when he took over the judging reins from former ice-skating critique Jason Gardiner, will not be returning to the next series.

The shock axing comes after John Barrowman admitted to “tomfoolery” on the set of Doctor Who, following allegations that he would regularly expose his penis to other cast members.

And ITV was under pressure to axe the judge when reports surfaced back in May.

A spokeswoman for ITV said in a statement, 'We thank John Barrowman for two brilliant years on the Dancing On Ice panel and are pleased to be working with him again as host of the forthcoming All Star Musicals specials.'

A spokesman for John added, "John is thrilled to be returning to work for ITV as host on the new All Star Musicals."

At the time the allegation surfaced, John said, 'With the benefit of hindsight, I understand that upset may have been caused by my exuberant behaviour and I have apologised for this previously. Since my apology in November 2008, my understanding and behaviour have also changed.'

See more

It is not yet known who will be replacing John as a judge on the show, alongside existing judges Ashley Banjo and professional skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

When does Dancing on Ice return?

Dancing on Ice 2022 returns to ITV in January. The exact start date of what will be the 14th series, has not yet been officially confirmed but it usually falls in the first half of January.

Despite being months away, the celebrity lineup is already being revealed in the run-up to the ice skating contest return.

Last year the popular contest was under pressure after celebrities sustained injuries and were forced to withdraw from the competition.

See more

Towie star Billie Shepherd pulled out of the competition after suffering a fall and Denise Van Outen left after fracturing her shoulder.

And it saw the series cancelled when it was cut short by a week after some celebrities withdrew from the contest, leaving too few celebrities going forward.

Nevertheless, the series continued with Capital FM presenter Sonny Jay and his skating partner Angela Egan were crowned winners of Dancing on Ice 2021 celebrity lineup.

Who is on Dancing on Ice 2022?

Coronation Street star Sally Dynevor has been announced as the first contestant on Dancing on Ice 2022.

Lorraine Kelly announced the news on her Lorraine show, Sally told viewers, 'This morning I was really nervous... now everyone knows I'm doing it, I can't get out of it!

"If I don't do it this year I don't think I'm ever going to do it. I'm completely out of my comfort zone... I've just got to try and enjoy this experience.

"I've had a couple of lessons, I've just started... it's started to kick in, the training. I can't wait to meet [Jane] Torvill and [Christopher] Dean," Sally added. "They make it look so easy!"

Sally Dynevor

(Image credit: Getty)

Meanwhile, the second contestant confirmed for the reality ice-skating show is Gogglebox and Happy Monday's star Bez.

Who will replace John Barrowman as judge on Dancing on Ice 2022?

It has not yet been revealed who will replace John Barrowman as a judge on the 2022 series of Dancing on Ice.

We will update you as soon as a name is confirmed.

But bookmakers betfair have released the odds of who the likely replacement could be, with former Strictly professional dancer and 2019 DOI winner James Jordan odds on favourite to land the job, with 4//7 odds.

Followed by 2014 champ Ray Quin, 8/1 Matt Evers ar 12/1, Jason Gardiner at 14/1, Daniel Whiston with 14/1, Diversity star Jordan Banjo 20/1 and Eddie 'The Eagle' Edwards named at 25/1.

Betfair spokesperson Sam Rosbottom said,"With John Barrowman departing the show, outspoken former winner of Dancing on Ice and former Strictly star James Jordan is odds on at 4/7 to replace the Torchwood actor. He is the clear favourite for the role, ahead of another former winner Ray Quinn at 8/1 and ex-pro dancer Matt Evers at 12/1. British sporting hero Eddie the Eagle is an outside bet at 25/1."

Selina Maycock
Senior Family Writer

Selina is a Senior Family Writer for GoodtoKnow and has more than 16 years years of experience. She specialises in royal family news, including the latest activities of Prince George, Charlotte, Louis, Archie and Lilibet. She also covers the latest government, health and charity advice for families. Selina graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2006 with a degree in Journalism, and gained her NCTJ and NCE qualifications. During her career, she’s also written for Woman, Woman's Own, Woman&Home, and Woman's Weekly as well as Heat magazine, Bang Showbiz - and the Scunthorpe Telegraph. When she's not covering family news, you can find her exploring new countryside walking routes, catching up with friends over good food, or making memories (including award-winning scarecrows!)