Fans praise ‘Dancing on Ice’ after Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers become first ever same-sex couple

Words: Steve Brown

Earlier this year, it was rumoured that ITV’s Dancing on Ice will be introducing their first ever same-sex couple.

Steps star Ian ‘H’ Watkins confirmed the news after posting an image with his new dance partner Matt Evers.

So, so happy to introduce you to all of our amazing couples! Drum roll please… 🥁 #DancingOnIce starts Sunday 5th January, on @itv and @WeAreSTV. pic.twitter.com/3lgPhrzbZL

— Dancing on Ice (@dancingonice) December 23, 2019

And now, when the show returned for a Christmas special on Sunday (December 22), fans praised the ice skating competition after the two men glided onto the ice rink.

In his promotional video, Ian said: “Because I am a gay guy, it was always in my mind that I wanted a same-sex partner.

“This journey is so so personal and important to both of us.”

5, 6, 7, skate! 🕺 It’s Steps legend @Ianhwatkins and his Pro skater @TheMattEvers! #DancingOnIce pic.twitter.com/r3eWuitrCq

— Dancing on Ice (@dancingonice) December 22, 2019

Matt then added: “It’s going to mean a lot to a lot of people in this country and around the world.”

Fans then took to social media to praise the show.

One wrote: “can I just say well done for getting two Male people to skate together, more tv shows should be doing this x can’t wait for the new series to start.”

Another said they are ‘backing’ the couple all the way and wrote: “Im looking forward to watching the partnership between @Ianhwatkins and @TheMattEvers.

“If people dont like it who cares its just 2 people dancing regardless of the fact its 2 men bring it on I say Im backing them all the way.”

Of course, people complained about the outrageous prospect of two men dancing together but thankfully the response was mostly positive, with one person telling the homophobes: “It’s not actually about sexuality – it’s about ice skating! 🤷‍♀️”