John Barrowman will not return to 'Dancing On Ice' after sexual misconduct controversy

LONDON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: John Barrowman during the Dancing On Ice 2019 photocall at ITV Studios on December 09, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images)
John Barrowman will not return as a judge on Dancing On Ice, ITV has confirmed. (Getty Images)

John Barrowman has been axed from the judging panel of Dancing On Ice following the accusations of sexual misconduct made against him.

The 54-year-old actor, singer and TV presenter joined the ITV celebrity skating contest as a judge in 2020 and served on the panel for just two series, before he was accused of having previously expose himself to cast and crew while working on Doctor Who spin-off show Torchwood.

ITV has now confirmed Barrowman will not return to Dancing On Ice.

Read more: John Barrowman finally explains why he exposed himself on 'Torchwood'

But an ITV spokeswoman added in a statement: “We thank John for two brilliant years on the Dancing On Ice panel and are pleased to be working with him again as host of the forthcoming All Star Musicals specials.”

Dancing on Ice: SR13 on ITV, Pictured: John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjo.
(ITV)
John Barrowman joined Dancing On Ice judges Jayne Torvill, Christopher Dean and Ashley Banjoon on the panel in 2020. (ITV)

All Star Musicals sees celebrities perform songs from West End musicals, backed by a chorus in a bid to impress a panel of judges and the audience.

Dancing On Ice, presented by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby, returned in 2018 after its initial five-year run ended in 2011. Barrowman replaced long-standing judge Jason Gardiner in 2020.

Earlier this year the Torchwood star became caught up in a furore about his behaviour on the set of the BBC drama in 2008, which came to light earlier this year after serious accusations of sexual harassment were made against his former co-star Noel Clarke.

Noel Clarke arriving at the world premiere of Fast Girls at the Odeon West End in Leicester Square, London.
Former Doctor Who star Noel Clarke – who was accused of sexual harassment earlier this year – claimed co-star John Barrowman used to expose himself on set. (PA)

A 2014 video of Clarke talking at a convention emerged where he said Barrowman, who played Captain Jack Harkness, had exposed himself on set "every five seconds". Barrowman was subsequently dropped from various projects associated with the show.

Barrowman addressed the claims in an interview with the Mail's Weekend magazine in July, speaking about the issue for what he said would be the first and last time.

He said: "As Captain Jack Harkness I was the star of Torchwood, so I felt it was down to me to lead the company and keep them entertained."

John Barrowman hosts All Star Musicals. (ITV)
John Barrowman will continue to host All Star Musicals. (ITV)

Adding that his intention was actually to make people feel more comfortable, he said of filming intimate scenes: "I'd be waiting in my trailer wearing just a robe with a sock over my parts. Then, if I were standing waiting to film a scene where I needed to be nude and someone came into view, I'd make a joke to put them and myself at ease.

"My actions were simply designed to defuse any potential awkwardness among the cast and crew."

Barrowman also spoke out to thank fans for their support.

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by Matt Frost/ITV/Shutterstock (11777383ce)
Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean
'Dancing On Ice' TV show, Series 13, Episode 6, Hertfordshire, UK - 28 Feb 2021
John Barrowman on the judging panel of Dancing On Ice earlier this year. (ITV/Shutterstock)

Posting a video on Instagram, the Dancing On Ice judge said: “Hi everybody, it’s John here and I just want to say thank you very much to all of my fans, family and everybody who has reached out with the countless messages of support over the last few weeks.

Read more: John Barrowman's husband claims actor has been 'viciously attacked' by trolls

“It has meant such a great deal to me and has really touched me to know that people are supporting me and standing by me and sending their love and all of their appreciation and kind words.”

Watch: John Barrowman thanks fans for their support