Denise Welch slams 'vicious and evil' Gardiner

Denise Welch has slammed 'Dancing On Ice' judge Jason Gardiner as "vicious and evil".

The 52-year-old 'Loose Women' presenter - who was voted off the ITV1 show on Sunday night (06.03.11) - blasted the famously acid-tongued judge for comments he made about her husband, 'Benidorm' actor Tim Healy.

Denise said: "Some of the things he said today made him not my friend anymore, because I think he's been particularly vicious and evil about Tim.

"Tim was just protecting me and it was instinctive."

She also mocked the skating credentials of choreographer Jason - who is joined on the 'Dancing On Ice' judging panel by Emma Bunton and Robin Cousins - suggesting he takes the show too seriously.

Speaking on 'Loose Women', Denise added: "Jason makes out like it is a serious national skating competition. Does he think he would be on the panel if that was the case?"

Her comments come after Tim marched on to the stage during Sunday night's show to defend his wife's honour after she was on the receiving end of Jason's harsh criticism.

Jason later tweeted: "Those who think I was rude to Tim Healy can shove it. He got in my face with breath that smelt of stale p**s n alcohol whilst I was talking. I'm not perfect but at least I have oral hygiene.(sic)"