Jason Gardiner will be a "nightmare before Christmas" for the new 'Dancing on Ice' celebrities when they find out he's back on the show.

The Australian choreographer - who served on the judging panel of the ITV1 ice skating series between 2006 and 2011, before being replaced by Louie Spence earlier this year - promises to be just as controversial as ever when he returns to the panel next year.

He revealed: "A lot of the celebrities don't know I have signed up, so now I am going to be their nightmare before Christmas. It will be interesting to see their reaction."

The 41-year-old judge is famous for his scathing comments on the show and once compared Dame Kelly Holmes to a "man in drag", though he insists his put-downs are for the celebrity contestants' own good.

Jason said: "I am who I am and ITV know that. I am going to be true to myself. I will be the judge I have been from day one and will call it as I see it. Will I tone down my comments? Absolutely not.

"I am honest and for some reason if you are honest you are seen as a bully in this country. I challenge the contestants so they become great, there is a method in my meanness."

Jason confirmed his re-appointment at London's Ice Bar yesterday (28.11.12) after former judge Louie broke the news via his Twitter page earlier this month.

He tweeted: "To all asking, no I won't be judging @Dancingonice this year. Jason is back.(sic)"

Celebrities rumoured for the latest series include 'Baywatch' babe Pamela Anderson and 'The Only Way is Essex' star Lauren Goodger.