Jason Gardiner has apologised for saying Shayne Ward looked like he had locked-in syndrome on Dancing On Ice.

Complaints were made to TV watchdog Ofcom after the acid-tongued judge told the singer his performance of Ricky Martin's Livin' La Vida Loca was more "Livin La Vida Locked-in Syndrome", referring to the condition which can leave sufferers paralysed as a result of a brain injury or stroke.

But the judge - who some fans have called to be sacked on Twitter - told the Sun: "I sincerely apologise for any offence caused. That was never my intention."

Jason has a history of causing controversy through his outspoken remarks on the ITV show, famously describing former contestant Sharron Davies as looking like "faecal matter that won't flush".

Meanwhile, former X Factor winner Shayne shows no signs of letting Jason's critique get him down.

Thanking fans for voting, the singer - whose professional skate partner is Maria Filippov - tweeted: "Our dream is still alive."