John Barrowman left in tears at historic same-sex dance on Dancing On Ice
It was amazing!
Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield graced our TV screens last night (Sunday 5th January), as Dancing On Ice returned for series 12 in complete style!
As well as new judge John Barrowman joining the ice panel, six of the brand new celebrities took to the ice, including Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins, who is paired with male skater Matt Evers, making it the first same-sex pairing in the show's history.
And whilst Diversity star Perri Kiely topped the leaderboard with a score of 27.5, Ian wasn't too far behind him, after an emotional routine to Panic! At The Disco's 'High Hopes'.
As Ian glided on the ice with his partner Matt, new judge John Barrowman was visibly moved by the historic routine, breaking down in tears on the ice panel.
With tears streaming down his face, John told Ian and Matt, “I am emotional. That makes me happy on a complete multitude of levels just because of seeing two men who represent someone who is like me, and to skate as well as you did, you’ve done it now, the nerves are out of the way.
“You’ve shown that two men can perform and skate together. It doesn’t have to be what you did before with the man/woman thing…you know, man/man, switch it up, do it different ways.
“Be versatile, you know what I’m saying? Listen… I’m overwhelmed. I’m almost speechless. It was wonderful.”
Matt, who has been on the show for 11 years, also expressed his joy at having a male partner, having been partnered with women in the past, despite being openly gay.
He said, “I’ve wanted this for so long, and it means so much to so many people…and the world is ready for this. I just have to say, thank you to the network, thank you to ITV and thank you to everybody at home who is accepting of this because this is normal!”
Check out all of the Dancing On Ice 2020 couples below:
Perri Kiely and Vanessa Bauer
Judge Ashley's dance mate Perri Kiely will be taking to the ice for this series with Vanessa Bauer, here showing off a pretty impressive move!
Lisa George and Tom Naylor
Coronation Street star Lisa George and her professional partner Tom Naylor took to the ice.
Joe Swash and Alexandra Schauman
Ex-EastEnders star and former King of the I'm A Celeb jungle Joe Swash is taking to the ice this year with Alexandra Schauman.
Trisha Goddard and Lukasz Rozycki
Talk show host Trisha Goddard is already into the lifts with her partner Lukasz Rozycki!
Maura Higgins and Alexander Demetriou
Love Island 2019's breakout star Maura Higgins is already looking incredibly graceful on the ice with her partner Alexander Demetriou.
Ian 'H' Watkins and Matt Evers
Steps superstar Ian 'H' Watkins and his partner Matt Evers have made history as the show's first-ever same-sex couple.
Lucrezia Millarini and Brendyn Hatfield
Newsreader Lucrezia Millarini looked like a professional already whilst skating with her partner Brendyn Hatfield.
Caprice Bourret and Hamish Gaman
US television personality Caprice Bourret and her partner Hamish Gaman are already showing off some amazing lifts!
Ben Hanlin and Carlotta Edwards
Magician and presenter Ben Hanlin looked pretty comfortable on the ice with his partner Carlotta Edwards.
Libby Clegg MBE and Mark Hanretty
Paralympian Libby Clegg MBE took to the skating rink with Mark Hanretty at the launch party.
Kevin Kilbane
Former footballer Kevin Kilbane also attended the event.
Sunday night's opening show saw the first six contestants skate on the ice, with the likes of Maura Higgins, Kevin Kilbane, Caprice Bourre, and Libby Clegg MBE all set to perform for the first time next weekend.
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