DANCING on Ice fans have demanded a judging panel shake-up after Ashley Banjo was replaced tonight.
Diversity star Ashley, 35, was absent from the ITV show this evening – and will be off duty next week too.
He’s has been a familiar face to Dancing On Ice fans since he took up his post in 2018.
Yet because of his pre-existing commitments to his dance troupe, this year things will be a little different.
The group’s epic UK tour – which is their biggest yet – will mean Ashley is away up until the semi final.
Thankfully, two-time Olympian Johnny Weir, 39, has been drafted in to keep his seat warm alongside Torvil and Dean and Oti Mabuse.
He went down so well with viewers that they have pleaded with bosses to keep him as a permanent fixture.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, one fan wrote, “Liking Johnny Weir as a judge. He can stay.”
Another added, “Johnny Weir to replace Ashley. Thanks.”
Someone else agreed, “Can we keep Johnny over Ashley please and thank you.”
A fourth said, “The judge replacing Ashley Banjo is refreshing and knows what he is talking about.”
On Monday, Johnny announced the news to his Instagram followers.
He wrote: “Good morning everyone, I’ve just hopped on the ice for my final practice before I head off to London tomorrow to take part in Dancing On Ice which is one of the biggest skating TV shows in the entire world.
“In all my 27 years of skating I’ve never performed on the ice in the UK so looking forward to that and seeing all the couples perform and sitting next to Jane and Christopher!”
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