Dancing on Ice 2013

Great news about Jason Gardiner returning BTW!! I hope the judges are sitting at the side of the length of the rink rather than at the top side of the rink as they have been doing the previous 2 series. I do not know how they are able to see all the moves at this top end.

Probably also worth mentioning that Karen is returning to the actual panel along with Robin and Ashley Roberts. Bit of a surprise signing but its great to see ITV jumping on popularity for once instead of waiting until it has died down.

Hopefully they've learnt from the Nicole Scherzinger X Factor Series 7. Nicole should have been put on Series 8 panel rather than putting her on the USA version after been well liked after filling in for Dannii/ Cheryl at the auditions and whole of Bootcamp.

I'm mostly pleased with the judging panel. I think Jason is overrated though, and I wouldn't of minded if Karen had joined the panel alongside last years judges, Louie, Katarina and Robin. Jason is back but I certainly don't think they missed Jason last year. I am very pleased with the signing of Ashley! Lovely girl, very easy on the eye and I can imagine her been a good judge. And like you said she is in public favour at the minute, she's obviously well liked. Although, I won't miss Louie I am disappointed to see Katarina go but I suspect it was either her or Karen as 'the female skater' on the panel and in that sense Karens well liked by the majority of public so it's probably the right decision but nonetheless I will mis Katarina.

Robin is back as head judge, so i wonder now they'll do the voting?
They could do what they do on Strictly and Robin will have the casting vote?
OR
Maybe an X-Factor style deadlock? If the votes are tied?

What exactly does Robin do as Head Judge? Does he do anything else? Or is it just a title?

Good point Sierra Oscar - this will be interesting!

Given Beth Tweddle's background, I reckon she might be quite adventurous in her dancing style.

Excellent start to the series!! The celebs were introduced quicker at the start, the judging panel is working well together, who now announce their own scores with background tense music and Jason is back to add some bite!! Great!!

Much better production values too, and completely agree about the start of the show which has always been unnecessarily drawn out.

The judging panel is a stroke of genius, Jason & Karen are already rubbing each other up the wrong way and as contrieved as it is, you just know it will be building up to a huge bust up at some point. Last years judges were fine on their own but nothing gelled them together, they didn't seem to particularly get on but there was no friction or tension either. It was just lifeless. Ashley is doing OK so far, her marking is consistent with Jasons too. No doubt she'll settle in nicely. It's far more engaging than last year.

It could be nerves but Ashley is really shouting.

Excellent opening I agree, and Ashley is doing very well while Karen is much better on the panel rather than on the sidelines. Don't like the little changes though in going to the judges for the scores then straight to them for comments rather than getting reaction from the contestants first. Also the change in set up seems to make Christine the lead presenter, which isn't the best idea.

Just like Strictly Come Dancing then...

And they've gone for the Strictly style casting vote as the tie breaker rather than the earlier public vote.

I do prefer this "casting vote" style, however. It gives more meaning to Robin being named head judge- rather than him being head judge for the sake of it.

But is it me, or is this series very Strictly-esque?