Dancing On Ice has escaped censure over comments made by judge Jason Gardiner on the show. The watchdog received 242 complaints after Jason said celebrity contestant Jeff Brazier appeared to be 'missing a couple of chromosomes'. Head coach Karen Barber criticised the comments as 'offensive" and "personal', saying Jason should stick to talking about performance on the ice. Viewers of the ITV1 show said the remark was 'highly offensive, particularly to those with chromosomal disorders', 'discriminatory' and 'completely inappropriate'. ITV said Jason did not intend to offend or refer to people with chromosomal conditions, while he later said on Twitter his comment was meant to describe Jeff's 'strange facial expressions like those of a chimpanzee'. The broadcaster said it had spoken to Jason and that his comments would not be repeated. Ofcom said that the material was capable of being highly offensive. But it said it 'noted the measures taken after the broadcast by Jason Gardiner, who made clear in a public statement that it had not been his intention to offend, or indeed for the comments to have had the meaning that some viewers took from them. "We also took into account the measures ITV had taken, discussing the matter with Jason Gardiner to ensure he understood viewers' concerns and that the matter would not be repeated. "Ofcom also notes ITV's public apology, and apologies given to complaints it received directly from viewers. In view of the steps taken by both the licensee (ITV) and Jason Gardiner, Ofcom therefore considers the matter resolved," it said.
