Dancing on Ice makes history with 'first same-sex couple'
9 October 2019, 07:46 | Updated: 9 October 2019, 07:56
ITV bosses have beaten the BBC to introduce the first ever same-sex dance couple on a UK reality show
Dancing on Ice have reportedly lined up their first ever same-sex couple, pairing up Ian 'H' Watkins and professional skater Matt Evers for the upcoming series.
They are the first UK reality show to do this - beating Strictly Come Dancing to the mark.
The Sun reports that Ian, 43, asked Dancing on Ice bosses whether he could be paired with a man, and the “fully supportive” team agreed.
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He will be paired with Matt, 43, who has been a pro skater on the show since it started in 2006.
A source said: “After conversations with the Dancing on Ice production team, H enquired as to the possibility of being paired with a male pro skater.
“Bosses at Dancing on Ice are fully supportive of a same-sex partnership, so this year H will be paired with Matt.
“It’s a huge moment in TV history. A lot of viewers will be watching and the hope is it might set a trend.”
Although Strictly hasn't paired same-sex couples for the main show, they have in the past said they were 'proud' to feature same-sex dancing in the professional performances.
A spokesperson said: “We are completely open to the prospect of same-sex pairings between celebrities and pro dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.”
Dancing on Ice returns to ITV in January 2020.
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