Dancing on Ice star Roxanne Pallett has claimed that judge Jason Gardiner pulled out of the live tour because he is afraid of facing the public.

The 26-year-old told newspapers that Jason decided not to join the popular nationwide tour because he was frightened that he would face public outcry over his acid-tongued comments.

She explained: "It's simple - TV bosses told him they could not provide security to the level he wanted, but the reality is he is too weak to face the real fans!"

Pallett and Gardiner rowed throughout the last series of the show and things came to a head when the outspoken Aussie compared Roxanne to a "Cabbage Patch Doll".

Roxanne recently claimed that all the celebrity contestants on the show were pleased that Jason would not be participating in the tour.

She said: "We're all relieved Jason isn't going to be there.

"It's nice knowing you're not going to get absolutely slated in front of your family and friends."

It has been reported that Gardiner declined a role on the judging panel after he could not agree terms with the promoters of the live show.

Source