Smallscreen News

Louie Spence still pals with Jason Gardiner

Feb 7, 2012, 16:02 GMT

Louie Spence

Louie Spence claims his friendship with Jason Gardner is stronger than 'Dancing On Ice'.

Jason and fellow former judge Emma Bunton were dropped from the panel of the ITV1 show earlier this year and replaced by Louie and Katarina Witt, but the dancer says his close pal Jason doesn't hold a grudge against him.

Speaking on ITV1's 'This Morning', he said: 'We had lunch yesterday and he's been having a great time, he's absolutely fine - I mean our friendship is so much stronger than any TV show.

'We are great friends and there is no animosity between us, and that's show business - jobs come and go. That's been the same; I was in 'Cats', Jason was in 'Cats'... you know, it's the same kind of thing. We're used to this, you know, especially in TV. You're flavour of the month and then you're gone.

'I could be out next year darling - I'm making the most of it and I'm having as much fun as I can because I know these things may not last.'

Louie has been impressed by many of the celebrity skaters' performances but he has already picked his favourites.

He said: 'Jorgie Porter, Matthew Wolfenden - they are standing out. Sebastian Foucan- I mean really really exciting and he has no fear and that shows.

'And then we've got Chico who is a real surprise, a great performer, although I think he's got to be careful he doesn't be too cheesy all the time. So they are the top 4 that are going out there and giving us more difficult combinations. But also, Heidi really surprised me this week.'