Ice judge's bullying backlash

Jason Gardner has been forced to apologise after angry fans..

17:35 02 February 2010

Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardner has been forced to apologise after angry fans called for him to be sacked.

After Sunday night's show, the Australian judge outraged viewers with his adverse comments to former Olympic medallist Sharon Davies.

For the second time, the judge made cutting remarks to champion swimmer Davies, 47, who wore a brown leotard for her performance, describing her as "like watching faecal matter that won't flush".

"It goes around and around but doesn't go anywhere," Gardiner commented.

However, fans of the athlete were not impressed with the comparison, and within minutes of the show ending, bombarding broadcaster watchdog Ofcom and ITV with thousands of complaints.

Some had also set up an online petition on website Digital Spy calling for him to be sacked.

Gardiner has since issued an apology for the incident.

The choreographer said: "During this week's 'Dancing On Ice' I was criticising the performance of Sharron Davies and made some comments which may have caused offence to her and the viewers.

"For this I'm sorry and would like to apologise."   

Speaking on his usual slot on ITV's 'This Morning', he said: "My comments on Dancing On Ice about Sharron Davies have apparently offended Sharron and some viewers and for this I am truly sorry.

"It was only intended to be a reaction to what I saw in her performance and was in no way meant as a personal attack on her."

Around 1,5000 viewers have reportedly complained to ITV about the judge's remarks.