Exclusive
CHA CHA CHAPS!
ITV chiefs have paired up two male dancers — beating Strictly to make telly history.
Pro skater Matt Evers and Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, both 43, will perform together on the upcoming series of Dancing on Ice.
It follows years of speculation about same-sex couples on dance shows and will heap extra pressure on its rival Strictly.
The BBC show opted not to include one this season despite years of speculation and debate — and has been pipped to the telly landmark.
Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins, 43, is said to have asked Dancing on Ice chiefs about partnering a man on the next series — and the “fully supportive” team agreed.
The pop star will link up with US pro skater Matt Evers, 43, who has been on the ITV show since it started in 2006.
It is hoped the move will usher in a string of same-sex telly dance partners.
A show source revealed: “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.”
Strictly has been under increasing pressure to include a same-sex couple for several years.
A BBC spokesman said this year it was “proud” to have featured same-sex dancing among the pros in group numbers.
He added: “We are completely open to the prospect of same-sex pairings between celebrities and pro dancers in the future, should the opportunity arise.”
Judges Craig Revel Horwood and Shirley Ballas said they will back it. But ex-head judge Len Goodman suggested it may spark a backlash from viewers.
He said: “If they do it, there’ll be people saying, ‘I’m not going to watch it anymore’.”
Dancing on Ice returns in January with a new-look judging line-up, after Jason Gardiner quit amid mounting criticism.
MOST READ IN BIZARRE
We revealed actor John Barrowman will replace him on the show, hosted by Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.
An ITV spokesman said pairings will be formally confirmed in a special Christmas edition.
He added: “We won’t be commenting on speculation around the Dancing on Ice pairings until closer to the new series.”
'Strictly missed a trick'
By Simon Boyle, Bizarre Editor
THIS is a brave call by Dancing on Ice — but absolutely the right one.
It’s easy to understand why Strictly bosses have been nervous about tweaking the format of the most successful show on the box — but sometimes you have to make a statement.
And they’ve missed a trick by not bringing in a same-sex couple this year.
Now ITV have swooped in and laid down a marker, which I think will prove a huge hit with fans.
This January, seven million people will watch two men dance together on national television. It should barely register, but it will.
Glossy entertainment shows have the power to make real change to the consciousness of modern Britain.
This is a huge moment for British TV — and a brilliant move which will have the eyes of the nation watching.
No pressure, H . . .
Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins is confirmed as the fifth celebrity taking part in Dancing on Ice
GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL exclusive@the-sun.co.uk