Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner has reportedly been awarded a £40,000 pay rise for next year’s series of the show.

The Daily Star reports that Gardiner’s annual salary will jump from £60,000 to £100,000. The news did not please his fellow ice judges.

“It didn’t take long for word of his huge pay rise to get out,” an insider said. “And to say things have been a bit frosty backstage would be an understatement. We’ll just have to wait and see what happens with the rest of the panel.

“There was a bit of a revolt a couple of years ago where all the judges demanded their pay was doubled. In the end, they took a small increase. So Jason’s huge deal is going to cause one or two problems when contracts are renewed.”

“Jason may be controversial but without him the panel would be dull,” the insider said. “As soon as the green light was given for two more series, the first thing bosses did was make sure they secured his services.

“The rise might be controversial but Jason doesn’t care. He’s there to do a job and is more than happy to accept the money. It’s great for the show that he’s decided to stay.”