Dancing On Ice viewers weren't happy with H's message to Strictly Come Dancing
H and Matt were eliminated
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins and professional ice skater Matt Evers made history this year, when they become the first ever same-sex couple to take part in popular ITV show Dancing On Ice, which is hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
However, after finding themselves in the bottom two for the last few weeks, H and Matt were eliminated from the competition last night (Sunday 9th February), after losing out in the skate-off to comedian Ben Hanlin.
After all four judges chose to save Ben, H said, "Thank you ITV for championing visibility and diversity. Strictly, you're next."
However, not everybody was happy at H's words to BBC show Strictly Come Dancing, with many viewers stating they've 'already done it'.
One user wrote, 'H 'its your turn next Strictly' they've already done it, maybe not celeb partner but they have shh #DancingOnIce', with another writing, 'A bit patronising of H to tell Strictly to get their act together after his eviction tonight. It was said, last season they were looking at a same sex coupling!'. (sic)
Another then added, 'H....Strictly had same sex couple dance. It’s was beautiful the two men that dance together there.#dancingonice'. (sic)
However, other viewers praised the Steps singer for urging the programme to pair up a same-sex couple throughout the competition, not just for a special one-off performance from the professional dancers.
A fan of the show wrote on Twitter, "Strictly, it's your turn next" YES H! WELL SAID! Dancing on Ice have set the example with including a same sex couple. There's no reason you can't do the same! 🤞💕 #DancingOnIce x'. (sic)
Another wrote, 'I agree with H, it’s #Strictly turn to feature a same-sex couple next, I have my reservations.' sic
Check out all of the former Dancing On Ice winners below:
Gaynor Faye - 2006
Emmerdale actress Gaynor Faye won the first ever series of Dancing On Ice alongside her professional ice skating partner Daniel Whiston, under the watchful eye of judges Robin Cousins, Karen Barber, Nicky Slater, Jason Gardiner and Karen Kresge.
Kyran Bracken - 2007
Rugby player Kyran Bracken won the show - and the hearts of viewers - in the second series. Beating Clare Buckfield in the final showdown, Kyran won with his professional partner Melanie Lambert.
Suzanne Shaw - 2008
Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw won the 2008 series with professional ice skater Matt Evers. Both of their final performances scored a perfect 30/30, which was the first time that had happened on the show, beating runner-up Chris Fountain.
Ray Quinn - 2009 & 2014
X Factor star-turned-Broadway star Ray Quinn won the show in 2009 alongside his professional partner Maria Filippov. The couple beat journalist Donal MacIntyre and his partner Florentine Houdinière with their final performance. He also won the returners' series in 2014.
Hayley Tamaddon - 2010
Corrie and** Emmerdale actress Hayley won with second-time winner Daniel Whiston, beating Hollyoaks star Gary Lucy to the top spot. She also made it to the final of the returners' show in 2014, finishing second to Ray Quinn.
Sam Attwater - 2011
EastEnders actor Sam Attwater won the coveted prize of first place in 2011 wth his partner Brianne Delcourt, beating TV presenter Laura Hamilton. The pair also returned for the 2014 series, but finished fourth.
Matthew Wolfenden - 2012
Emmerdale actor Matthew Wolfenden won the 2012 series with his professional ice skating partner Nina Ulanova, beating fellow soap star Jorgie Porter to the top. This was also the year that Louie Spence joined the judging panel, if you remember...
Beth Tweddle - 2013
Olympic champion gymnast Beth Tweddle won the 2013 series alongside her partner Daniel Whiston in his THIRD win on the show. She beat EastEnders actor Matt Lapinskas and his partner Brianne Delcourt, and came third in the 2014 returners' series with Łukasz Różycki.
Jake Quickenden - 2018
Former The X Factor star Jake Quickenden was the clear winner for the revived series of Dancing On Ice in 2018, winning the show with his partner Vanessa Bauer.
James Jordan - 2019
Strictly Come Dancing star James Jordan swapped the ballroom for the ice in 2019, and he showed off his amazing moves alongside skating partner Alexandra Schauman.
James beat Love Island star Wes Nelson and former X Factor contestant Saara Aalto in the final.
Joe Swash - 2020
Perhaps the most surprising result in Dancing On Ice history! Joe Swash and his pro partner Alex Murphy were crowned the 2020 winners beating Diversity star Perri Kiely in the final.
Sonny Jay - 2021
After the most chaotic series in Dancing On Ice history, which saw five celebs have to quit the show, Sonny Jay was crowned the winner ahead of Colin Jackson and Corrie actress Faye Brookes.
Regan Gascoigne - 2022
Paul Gascoigne's son Regan Gascoigne was crowned the 2022 winner of Dancing On Ice, in perhaps the most competitive final in history! Regan and his pro partner Karina Manta were up against Brendan Cole and Kimberley Wyatt in the final.
Nile Wilson - 2023
After a tense final alongside Joey Essex and The Vivienne in March 2023, gymnast Nile Wilson was crowned the 2023 winner with his professional partner Olivia Smart.
Ryan Thomas - 2024
Former Coronation Street actor Ryan Thomas and his partner Amani Fancy were crowned the winners of series 16 during the final on Sunday 10th March 2024. Ryan received the most public votes during a tense final with Miles Nazaire and Vanessa Bauer and Adele Roberts and Mark Hanretty.
H and his professional partner Matt appeared on Lorraine this morning (Monday 10th February) where the pair continued to speak about their history-making experience.
H said, “There was a knee jerk reaction to our news. They paired two pros up and that visibility absolutely matters, but let’s do it every week. Let’s do a contestant and a pro.”
Matt then added, “It is having a ripple effect through all of television and entertainment. It’s nice. The thousands of messages we’ve received… It's absolutely incredible. From old and young, through all walks of life.”
Dancing On Ice continues on ITV every Sunday at 6pm.