JOHN Barrowman has been confirmed to replace Jason Gardiner as a judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
The actor, who competed on the show in 2006, now has bigger shoes to fill in his new role, but what else do we know about John and his new job?
5
Who is John Barrowman, how old is he and what is his background?
Actor John Barrowman, 52, was born in Glasgow and moved to the United States with his family when he was eight.
His love of performing came from the encouragement and coaching he received from his music and English teachers while at high school, and he was moved into a Gifted Programme to further develop his talents.
Animal lover John holds British and American citizenship and studied performing arts at the United States International University in San Diego before starting his career in London.
Has John Barrowman signed on to become a judge on Dancing on Ice?
On September 1, it was revealed that John Barrowman will be replacing Jason Gardiner from his position as a judge on ITV’s Dancing On Ice.
It was no secret that ITV bosses were on the hunt for someone to fill the empty seat, especially since the show will be gearing up to commence filming very soon.
In an official statement, John expressed: “Unlike most I have been through the rigorous task of skating live as a contestant in the first series.
“This is a thrilling adventure for me and I hope to bring a fresh, fun and fab-u-lous angle to the judging panel.”
It was just last month when Gardiner announced his departure from the show – an announcement which fans certainly didn’t see coming.
The former judge, who had been on the panel for all but one series, said in a video shared to Instagram: “After all these years I feel it’s time for me to say goodbye to my judging role and instead I would like to return to things I have kind of put on the back burner for a while.”
5
What stage and TV shows has John appeared in?
John made his name in the West End, landing roles in musicals including Miss Saigon, The Phantom of The Opera, Sunset Boulevard and La Cage aux Folles.
He has also appeared in various films such as the musical comedy, The Producers in 2005 and more recently Zero Dark Thirty.
Barrowman was a natural choice as a judge on the Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical talent shows, How Do You Solve A Problem Like Maria?, Any Dream Will Do and I’d Do Anything.
A brilliant guest on chat and reality shows, he has appeared on Dancing On Ice, Children in Need and the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – as well as putting in a memorable appearance on Celebrity Juice, and hosting quiz show Pressure Pad.
5
John then went onto star in CW’s DC Comics series Arrow as supervillain Malcolm Merlyn – but he was devastated in 2017 when his character got the axe.
He told fans: “I am very sad to be leaving the Arrowverse…
“As sad as it may be I understand how shows must change and also how characters must change and develop but that doesn’t mean I’m not very sad and upset about it.”
Over the 2016 Christmas period, John appeared in Birmingham’s panto Dick Whittington, bringing a touch of showbiz class to the titular role.
He then played the fairytale character again in Manchester across the 2017-18 season – alongside veteran comedy duo The Krankies.
Since his successful stint on I’m A Celebrity 2018, reports have claimed that he is in talks for his own show with campmate Emily Atack.
Emily revealed the news on the National Television Awards 2019 red carpet saying there were ideas flowing around and meetings being scheduled.
5
Who did John Barrowman play in the Doctor Who universe?
Captain Jack Harkness is the role that John is known for – originally playing the swash-buckling, omnisexual character as a recurring guest in Doctor Who from 2005-2010.
Time-travelling heartthrob Captain Jack was so popular he was given his own show, Torchwood, which ran from 2006-2011.
This year John made it clear he would agree to return to Doctor Who “at the drop of a hat” after slamming “certain egos” for blocking a revival of Torchwood.
Who is John Barrowman married to?
John met his husband, Scott Gill, during a production at the Chichester Film Festival in 1993 where Scott was in the audience.
The couple entered a civil partnership in 2006 and legally married in California in 2013.
John received an MBE in 2014 and was accompanied by Scott to the investiture ceremony at Buckingham Palace.
They have homes in London, Cardiff and Palm Springs.
