‘Bring him back’ say Dancing on Ice fans as they call for star’s return amid judging panel shake-up
DANCING on Ice viewers were left campaigning for one star’s return amid a judging panel shake-up on the show.
Loyal fans of the ITV ice skating contest were left saddened after Ice skater Johnny Weir disappeared from screens.
Johnny had been hired as a stand-in on the show after Ashley Banjo took some time off in order to take part in the latest Diversity tour.
The 39-year-old American figure skater has appeared on the programme for the past three weeks and became a firm favourite among fans.
They were left impressed with his judging prowess and chemistry with his fellow panellists, including Oti Mabuse.
Within seconds of tonight’s episode beginning, fans were immediately left demanding that Johnny be brought back.
Taking to X – formerly Twitter – one fan penned: “Aww Ashley is back I liked Johnny couldn’t we keep him lol.”
Another then echoed: “Forgot Ashley was back. Can we have Johnny back please.”
A third then furiously demanded: “BRING BACK JOHNNY.”
Someone else went on to say: “Oh no… Banjo is back. Bring back Johnny Weir.”
Before a fifth wrote: “Love Ashley but missing Johnny already.”
Ashley originally joined Dancing On Ice in 2018 for its 10th series.
This year he had to miss three episodes because of commitments with his dance squad Diversity.
Johnny is a very experienced figure skater having taken part in two Winter Olympics.
The star won bronze at the 2008 World Figure Skating Championships, as well as a number of other impressive medals.
He is also a three-time US national champion, and retired from competition in 2013.
After his last show, Johnny posted his thanks on Instagram saying: “Thank you to the entire United Kingdom for having me!
“It has been an honor to be a part of @dancingonice!”
Dancing On Ice judges: past and present
The popular ITV show has had a range of faces on the judging panel since it hit our screens in 2006. Let's take a look at who...
- Karen Barber – series 1 to 9
- Robin Cousins – series 1 – 9
- Jason Gardiner – series 1 to 6, then 8 – 12
- Nicky Slater – series 1 – 5
- Karen Kresge – series 1
- Natalia Bestemianova – series 2
- Ruthie Henshall – series 2 – 4
- Emma Bunton – series 5 – 6
- Louie Spence – series 7
- Katarina Witt- series 7
- Ashley Roberts – series 8 – 9
- Ashley Banjo – series 10 to present
- Christopher Dean – series 10 to present
- Jayne Torvill – series 10 to present
- John Barrowman – series 11 – 12
- Oti Mabuse – series 13 to present