Holly Willoughby says John Barrowman should have lasted longer than he did on ‘Dancing On Ice’.
The 38-year-old star is returning as host alongside Phillip Schofield for the upcoming ITV skating series, and she’s glad the ‘Torchwood’ actor – who was the fourth contestant to be eliminated during the first-ever run in 2006 – has joined the judging panel.
In an interview set to air on Saturday night’s (07.12.19) episode of ‘The Jonathan Ross Show’, she said: "He is going to be just wonderful because he’s full of life.
"[When he was a contestant on the show in 2006] he was really good, he was one of those ones who shouldn’t have gone out when he did, to be honest."
Now, John – replacing Jason Gardiner – is set to be part of the panel alongside Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo.
‘This Morning’ presenter Holly also reflected on Gemma Collins making her return to the ice for the show’s upcoming Christmas special after she featured on the main series earlier this year, during which she suffered a nasty fall on the ice.
She explained: "She likes a skate. She actually did really well. There was the moment [when she fell last series] and nobody wants anybody to get hurt.
"Thankfully, the reason this is OK to speak about is because she didn’t get hurt but she did give us one of the most spectacular falls ever."
And she has also voiced her support for Ian ‘H’ Watkins from Steps and professional skater Matt Evers following news they’ll be the show’s first same-sex partnership, admitting it is "about time".
She added: "It’s the first time on TV that we have a same sex partnership… I know it’s something that Matt Evers has wanted to do for a really long time. It’s about time too!"