Why has John Barrowman left Dancing on Ice? Flashing claims and ‘exuberant behaviour’ on Dr Who set explained

John Barrowman will not return as a judge on the new series of Dancing on Ice, ITV announced earlier this week.

The former Doctor Who and Torchwood star faced criticism when allegations of inappropriate on-set behaviour resurfaced at the start of 2021.

Here’s all you need to know about why John Barrowman is leaving Dancing on Ice.

Why is John Barrowman leaving Dancing on Ice?

ITV confirmed that John Barrowman would not return as a judge

The broadcaster thanked Barrowman for “two brilliant years” and said he would continue to host ITV’s All Star Musicals specials.

Barrowman hit the headlines earlier this year after his behaviour on the set of other shows came under renewed scrutiny.

The TV and stage actor previously apologised for exposing himself to colleagues on the sets of Doctor Who and Torchwood. In May, he said he understood his "exuberant behaviour" may have caused "upset".

In a video that resurfaced in May, filmed at Chicago Tardis, a 2014 American sci-fi convention, former Doctor Who co-star Noel Clarke talked about how Barrowman would often expose his penis and “slap” it on colleagues.

Barrowman has previously apologised for exposing himself during a BBC Radio 1 interview in 2008.

Speaking to The Guardian, he said his high-spirited behaviour" was "only ever intended in good humour to entertain colleagues on set and backstage".

The actor has previously appeared on the ice dancing talent show as a contestant in 2006.

Who is Arlene Philips?

Choreographer Arlene Philips is reportedly set to replace John Barrowman on the judging panel of Dancing on Ice.

Her appearance would mark her return to primetime TV since her stint as a judge on Strictly Come Dancing came to an end in 2009.

However, ITV has denied the rumours, adding that a new judge won’t be appointed. Speaking to the RadioTimes.com, an spokesperson from ITV said the rumours were not true.

They added that there is “no new judge” being appointed for the upcoming series, which had Ashley Banjo, Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill on its judging panel last year alongside Barrowman.

Arlene Philips is a choreographer, theatre director and former dancer. Her work on the stage ahs seen her choreograph smash hit shows including Grease, Saturday Night Fever, We Will Rock You and The Wizard of Oz.

Philips found new found fame when she was appointed to be a member of the judging panel of BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing in 2004. She has also appeared as a judge on So You Think You Can Dance.