Jason Gardiner is returning to 'Dancing On Ice'.

Jason Gardiner

Jason Gardiner

The Australian choreographer - who was known for his cutting remarks on the skating competition - is delighted to be returning to the judging panel and vowed to be as "honest" as ever because he thinks his blunt comments are a great motivator.

He said: "I'm honest, I always call it as i see it but when they're good, I give them great praise and I think I help them to improve a lot."

In a change to the format, the 45-year-old star will be joined on the judging panel by Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean and Jason is looking forward to seeing how the "skating royalty" - who previously mentored the contestants - get on in their different position.

Speaking on UK TV show 'Lorraine', he said: "Its going to be wonderful to see that, there's no question they are ice skating royalty, their credentials back up but it's the first time they judge. it is quite difficult to be a good judge on the show and remain impartial."

Though the celebrity line-up hasn't yet been revealed, Jason has promised not to go into the show with any preconceptions.

He said: "I'm not going in with preconceived ideas of how I'm going to be, you have to be there and assess it int hat moment, it's only fair to the contestants to go in there being open. being a judge isn't necessarily who I am but it's a role I've got to do to get my point across."

Though Jason can be hard on the contestants, he thinks they should be applauded just for agreeing to take part because it's such a tough competition.

He said: "It's one of the hardest and the commitment is intense so let's not discount what they have to go through. we have seen some remarkable people pass through 'Dancing on Ice' and to see that journey is wonderful.

"And also the Todd Cartys, who have gone through the tunnel and disappeared into oblivion, but it's an exciting show to do."

Joining Jason, Jayne and Christopher on the judging panel will be Ashley Banjo.