Phillip Schofield backs Jason Gardiner in DOI row

Phillip Schofield has backed Jason Gardiner in the 'Dancing On Ice' bullying row.

The 48-year-old presenter - who co-hosts the ITV1 show alongside Holly Willoughby - explained he would not be condemning the famously harsh-tongued skating critic for his comments on Sunday night's (06.02.11) show, which reduced head coach and former judge Karen Barber to tears.

While Jason came head-to-head with the 49-year-old skating champion over his comments about war hero Johnson Beharry's routine, Phillip argued the spat is "not a sackable offence", despite independent regulator OFCOM being flooded with more than 3,000 complaints from angry viewers.

He tweeted: "Right, enough. Please do not expect me to condemn Jason or to expect his sacking! Firstly he is a friend. Secondly a telly spat is not a sackable offence, even if it is misplaced. Its crazy OFCOM have been swamped by complaints, why is this now the first port of call for 'The Outraged' Why?

"No matter what the misdemeanour, is the general howl 'sack 'em?' Yes, a disagreement between 2 people spilled on to the telly, but it's not the first row to be broadcast and it won't be the last. If every tiny thing that might offend someone somewhere was cut, there'd be nothing to watch!! I'm a big fan of Karen & Jason, I don't think they'll be friends, but they should BOTH be on DOI. (sic)"

Meanwhile, 45-year-old Jason - who is believed to have apologised to Karen after making his cutting remarks - thanked his fans for their support over the 'Dancing On Ice' "bullying" row.

He tweeted: "Thank you to all of you who have sent me kind support during this rather precarious time. But there are others who are very disturbed indeed. (sic)"