H from Steps could make Dancing On Ice history in the 'first same-sex couple'
Apparently it could be in the works
Last updated 9th Oct 2019
Steps star Ian 'H' Watkins could make history as one-half of the first same-sex couple on Dancing On Ice. The singer, who is part of the Dancing On Ice 2020 celebrity line-up, is reportedly set to take part in a same-sex couple on the ice skating talent competition, which traditionally sees mixed partners.
According to Metro.co.uk, H has apparently made a request to have a male partner, with the publication also reporting that this has been accepted by show bosses at ITV and that he'll be paired up with ling-time Dancing On Ice professional, Matt Evers.
A source told Metro.co.uk, "After conversations with the Dancing on Ice production team, H enquired as to the possibility of being paired with a male pro skater. Dancing on Ice were fully supportive of a same-sex partnership and as such this year H will be paired with Matt Evers."
However, a spokesperson for the show declined to confirm the news, telling the publication, "We won’t be commenting on speculation around the Dancing on Ice pairings until closer to the new series in 2020."
H has taken to social media to share how his training has been going so far, after having a practise session with skating legends and show judges, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, writing, 'Happiness is.....⛸⛸❄️❄️.'
Last year, former Dancing On Ice judge Jason Gardiner backed the idea, saying, "I’m sure ITV would have no problem with embracing it. It would be great to have a same-sex couple," but added, "When you’ve got two men, generally you’ve got similar heights and weights.
"That’s when it starts getting difficult. It’s very difficult to put somebody your own size above your head."
Scroll through to see the confirmed celebrity line-up for Dancing On Ice 2020:
Dancing On Ice 2020: Meet the cast
Perri Kiely
Diversity dancer Perri Kiely reunited with his dance-mate Ashely Banjo for Dancing On Ice 2020! He said, "I'm not going to lie, I'm a little bit nervous. I've had a couple of training sessions so far and I'm not going to lie, it's hard. I can stand up on ice and skate about a bit, but technique, it's difficult!"
Of normally being the one to get thrown into the air, Perri said, "Role reversal! I'm pretty sure my job title was to get thrown about. I would love to back flip on ice, imagine how sick that would be! But I said I was going to get on the ice and spin and flip and do this, but I turned up to that first training session and I just wanted to put one foot in front of the other and make sure I don't fall over."
Perri Kiely is paired with Vanessa Bauer
Libby Clegg MBE
Paralympic sprinter Libby Clegg was the eighth confirmed contestant on Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Victoria Derbyshire, she said, "After Rio I achieved my ultimate goal and then I thought 'what else can I do?' This opportunity came about and I couldn't pass it up. I love challenging myself and experiencing new things."
Libby Clegg is paired with Mark Hanretty
Joe Swash
Former soap star and King of the Jungle Joe Swash was the ninth celeb to be announced for Dancing On Ice! Confirming the news on Loose Women, Joe said, "I can't even dance on a dance floor so Dancing on Ice is just a silly idea! I've done no exercise since the baby was born. Stacey thinks it's funny. I'm going to learn how to skate and I'll do it with a smile on my face."
Joe Swash is paired with Alexandra Schauman
Although Joe was originally paired with Alexandra Schauman, a nasty injury meant she could no longer continue, meaning Alex Murphy stepped in!
Trisha Goddard
Queen of Daytime TV Trisha Goddard was the first celeb to leave the show! After falling over in her routine, Trisha lost out i the skate-off to newsreader Lucrezia Millarini.
Trisha Goddard is paired with Łukasz Różycki
Lucrezia Millarini
ITV News presenter Lucrezia Millarini was eliminated from the show in Week 3, losing out in the skate-off to former footballer Kevin Kilbane.
Lucrezia Millarini is paired with Brendyn Hatfield
Radzi Chinyanganya
TV presenter Radzi Chinyanganya was drafted in as Michael Barrymore's replacement, but he failed to impress viewers and was eliminated from the show in week 4.
Radzi Chinyanganya is paired with Jessica Hatfield
Kevin Kilbane
Former footballer Kevin Kilbane lost his place on the show in Week 5! But it isn't all bad news... Kevin confirmed he is now dating his skating partner Brianne Delcourt after they met on the show!
Kevin Kilbane is paired with Brianne Delcourt
Caprice
Caprice chose to quit the show in Week 5 after previously parting ways with her partner Hamash Gaman.
Caprice is paired with Hamish Gaman
Ian 'H' Watkins
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins and his professional partner Matt Evers were eliminated from the competition in Week 6, following a skate-off with comedian Ben Hanlin.
Ian 'H' Watkins is paired with Matt Evers
Maura Higgins
Love Island star Maura Higgins left the competition in Week 7 after losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Maura Higgins is paired with Alexander Demetriou
Lisa George
Coronation Street actress Lisa George lost her place on the show in Week 8, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
Lisa George is paired with Tom Naylor
Ben Hanlin is paired with Carlotta Edwards
Ben Hamlin
Magician Ben Hanlin lost his place on the show in the semi-final, losing out in the skate-off to Libby Clegg.
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