Sorry to start two Jason threads in the space of an hour, but he gets my goat a bit. I know he's employed as the "nasty" judge, but I I feel that he really goes too far with his comments a lot of the time, and instead of attacking their dancing ability he seems to make personal digs about their appearance and things like that. It's hard to be the nasty judge and get away it, Simon Cowell and Craig Revell-Horward can, but Jason IMO cannot. He comes over as spiteful and bitchy rather than brutally honest.

I think ITV made a mistake on axing Louis Spence actually, as he was always constructive in his criticisms. The poor ratings last year were down to many issues, the main one being the format is now a bit stale. I don't think Jason not being there made much of a difference.

you need judges who speak what on their mind...not all sugary and sweet like torvil and dean.

I record it so that I don't have to listen to a thing the nasty vile man has to say!

Torvill and Dean are not judges, and its possible possible to speak your mind without making personal remarks about people's looks or appearance. Jason IMO is just nasty and rude.

I agree with the OP. Though I really think he's toned it down a bit. If I remember correctly he once described some move by a celeb as watching something going round and round in the toilet? He's just one of those people who is only happy saying nasty things about others, 'cos he's obviously a sad unhappy person. Yes we want judges to mark what they've seen but it doesn't need to be personal and they ought to be able to give constructive criticism without being nasty.

Agreed but speaking your mind and being spiteful are not the same thing

I think it was Sharron Davies whom he called "feacal matter ". But I can remember as far back as series one him saying that Kelly Holmes looked like a man.

I agree Jason needs to speak his mind, but he could also add a touch of tact to his critique.

Oh yes, I thought he'd actually named what it was but couldn't quite remember. That was actually disgusting and totally unnecessary. And what he said to Kelly was totally uncalled for who on earth would say something like that to another person on a show like this; well obviously someone like Jason Gardiner. He must have a problem distinguishing what's acceptable and what's not. It made me groan just hearing his voice at the beginning of the show tonight.

'Fecal matter' to Sharon Davies, a really nasty comment made by someone who thinks it's really witty if they make insulting remarks disguised as a critique. However he does seem marginally less insulting this time but we are only on week two.

The man reminds me everytime he opens his mouth of faecal matter that won't flush. I am amazed at his having mastered the biological feat of egesting through his mouth though

It takes skill to deliver a critique that gives the contestant something both constructive and positive to build upon. Jason does not have this skill - his judgements are calculated to draw attention to himself rather than help the competitors.

Thus it always has been - thus it always will be for as long as he remains on the panel.

He has been rather tame so far this series. "Walrus on the ice" is his worst comment so far.

I still can't get over the hair! I keep thinking it isn't him!

This is spot on really

oh good grief. I may be in the minority but I love the panto villian! Sharon Daivies was dressed head to toe in brown (which did not suit her) and was spun around alot. I know people are going to pick up on the walrus on ice said to lauren tonight but uh...yeh...or a seal, or a bear.... He just doesn't think about how it will actually be perceived before he says it sometimes. Does it all really matter? These people put themselves out there to make money and enhance their fame (and therefore, hopefully, their career). This isn't a new show. Jason isn't a new judge. They know if they are rubbish he will slag them off. They still come on the show. No sympathy.

It wasn't Sharon's fault that she was dressed all in brown though. It was a wardrobe decision. It was unfair of Jason to blame her for that to her.

I like it much better with Jason, warts and all. Last year it was soooo boring with bland judges. The contestants surely know what they are in for when they agree to be on the show. If they cant take it then they shouldnt do it.

yes walrus on ice to someone who has struggled with her weight.

Plus "anthea is that your name" how rude, its like saying ive never heard of you who are you. well maybe he hasnt but he only had 6 celebs check who they are before the show starts

Louie may have been OTT but he was generally constructive. Jason can be,but all too often descends into spite. Judges are there to assist in improvement, so it does matter.

He got several names wrong this evening.

That just means he insulted quite a few of the celebs rather than just singling out Anthea.

OK he is not the best diplomatic person on the panel. IMO robin
needs to up the anti, he is another sweetie.

Robin gives constructive, useful advice to the celebs that they & the coaches/pros can work on. He does his job perfectly well.

"Speaking your mind" is all well and good, comparing someone to a walus on ice isn't part of speaking your mind. Telling them it lacked grace and didn't look very elegant and giving some constructive feedback would be much closer to speaking your mind imo. Getting nasty and personal isn't speaking ones mind. It is plain rude. As others have said there are people who play the nasty role well such as Craig on Strictly, it is honest, constructive and for the most part not overly offensive.