Denise Van Outen has announced that she’ll be partnered with Matt Evers on the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice.
Matt, 44, surprised Denise, 46, during an appearance at Proud Embankment in London on Saturday night, where the news was revealed as they shared the stage.
The news comes after it was reported that competitor Rebekah Vardy had hoped to be paired with the openly gay skater to avoid any possible cheating rumours.
Partnership: Denise Van Outen has announced that she’ll be partnered with Matt Evers on the upcoming series of Dancing On Ice. Pictured together on Saturday night
Giving a taste of what’s to come, Denise looked sensational in a black sequinned bustier with a red waistcoat while Matt joined her in a red and black suit.
After the pair embraced – with an assurance from Denise that they’re both tested and coronavirus-free – Matt got down on one knee and asked: ‘Denise will you be my ice skating partner for Dancing On Ice 2020?’
‘Yes I will!’ Denise excitedly responded, before taking to Instagram the following day to share the news with her followers.
Reports: The news comes after it was reported that competitor Rebekah Vardy had hoped to be paired with the openly gay skater to avoid any possible cheating rumours
Sharing footage of the moment on Sunday morning, Denise wrote: ‘Last night @proudembankment was pretty special for me. I found out who my ice pro is for the next few months. @themattevers ⛸❤️. I am so HAPPY!! I adore Matt.
‘I literally cannot wait to get into skate school with my new teacher and knuckle down to work. I promise to be a good student and to always listen & learn Matt, because you’re the best and you rock!
‘Come and lockdown with my family in Chelmsford and let’s create some lovely memories. Skate School starts this coming week. Bring it on! @dancingonice @itv.’
She added: ‘(For the record. Matt and I were both tested before our meet/embrace. We are now in a bubble so we can work together. Matt will be moving into our home for maximum safety) @dancingonice #mattevers #bubble #staysafe.’
Stage: Matt, 44, surprised Denise, 46, during an appearance at Proud Embankment in London on Saturday night, where the news was revealed as they shared the stage
Friendly chat: After he descended the stairs, the pair enjoyed a friendly chat on the stage
On bended knee: Matt got down on one knee and asked: ‘Denise will you be my ice skating partner for Dancing On Ice 2020?’ The star excitedly answered ‘yes’
For his part, Matt took to the image-sharing platform to upload a snap of the pair together onstage that night, as he expressed his own excitement.
He wrote: ‘Can not tell you how excited and nervous I was. It was quite emotional to surprise @vanouten_denise on stage and actually hug someone.
‘After being in the UK since the end of last series and not being able to see my family for a year and isolating for the past few weeks to create our bubble and getting to skate with a familiarly beautiful face is a blessing.
‘Thank you @itv and our @dancingonice team for making this show happen during a pandemic. I hope @vanouten_denise and I and the rest of the cast can bring some joy and sparked to your living room come January.’
MailOnline has contacted a representative for Dancing On Ice for comment.
Eye-catching: Giving a taste of what’s to come, Denise looked sensational in a black sequinned bustier with a red waistcoat while Matt joined her in a red and black suit
Fun-filled: The pair posed for a series of fun-filled snaps backstage after celebrating the news
Special night: Sharing footage of the moment on Sunday morning, Denise wrote, ‘Last night @proudembankment was pretty special for me…. I am so HAPPY!! I adore Matt’
The news comes after 38-year-old competitor Rebekah, who is married to footballer Jamie Vardy, was said to have been eager to be paired up with Matt.
Matt was paired with Ian ‘H’ Watkins in the 2020 series in the competition’s first ever same-sex pairing.
It was alleged that Rebekah was hoping to be paired with the professional to stop any potential romance rumours from spreading.
A source told The Sun on Sunday: ‘Becky loves Matt. He’s one of the most famous skaters on the show and he’s gay, which means she can spend all her time training and on routines without being linked to him romantically.
Stylish exit: Matt was seen looking stylish as he made his exit from the Cabaret All Stars show
‘She’s really happy in her relationship with Jamie and doesn’t want anything to rock the boat. She thinks they’d have a winning partnership and could go all the way.’
MailOnline contacted a representative for Rebekah Vardy at the time for comment.
Meanwhile, a show source told MailOnline: ‘There is no truth to this at all. No such conversations took place. Show producers decide the skating partnership.’
Rebekah and Jamie have been happily married since 2016 and share children Finley, three, and Sofia, five, and baby Olivia together. She is also mum to Megan, 15, and Taylor, ten, from a previous relationship.
She confirmed she would be taking part in the show late last month, adding that Leicester City striker Jamie is hoping she doesn’t take too many tumbles on the ice.
Claims: Rebekah reportedly wanted to be partnered with gay skater Matt Evers to avoid any cheating rumours during her time on Dancing On Ice (pictured with husband Jamie)
The doting mother said: ‘He thinks it’s a brilliant idea. He’s really looking forward to watching me. And he hopes I don’t fall over too much.’
And Rebekah has her dad to thank for teaching her how to ice skate during her younger years.
She said: ‘My dad taught me how to stand up on a pair of skates when I was about seven years old. We used to go skating a lot when my mum and dad split up.
‘We used to go and stay with him for the weekend and he used to take us to the local ice rink, so it’s a really fun family thing for us to have done together.
Professional: Matt, 44, is openly gay and was paired with Ian ‘H’ Watkins in the 2020 series to be the competition’s first ever same-sex pairing
‘The only times I’ve been since is when I take the kids skating at Christmas.’
Other stars already confirmed for the show include Billie Faiers, Myleene Klass, and Jason Donovan.
Musician Lady Leshurr, British Olympians Colin Jackson and Graham Bell, and radio host Sonny Jay have also all been announced for the upcoming season.
Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby will once again return to present the show and the expert panel of Jane Torvill and Christopher Dean, John Barrowman and Ashley Banjo will all resume their roles as judges.
Pics: Rebekah has shared her excitement ahead of the show with Instagram snaps of her skates
Dancing On Ice 2021: Who are the celebrities?
MYLEENE KLASS
Age: 42
Profession: Musician and radio host
Myleene says: ‘My girls have always wanted me to do this but I’ve always been too scared someone will skate over my fingers!’
JASON DONOVAN
Age: 52
Profession: Actor and singer, best know for playing Scott Robinson in Neighbours
Jason says: ‘To be able to learn a skill and spend some time focused is quite exciting, and I’m looking forward to seeing you guys.’
FAYE BROOKES
Age: 33
Profession: Actress best known for her role as Kate Connor in Coronation Street
Faye says: ‘I’m so excited! The producers get to know you and this is the first time I think people are just going to see me, not being a character… Just being me – Faye!’
COLIN JACKSON
Age: 53
Profession: Former sprint and hurdling athlete, who has since carved out a career as a TV personality
Colin says: ‘You go out there, you enjoy yourself and you learn a new skill and to hone the skill of skating will just be a huge, huge plus. I’m looking forward to it.’
REBEKAH VARDY
Age: 38
Profession: TV personality
Rebekah says: ‘I’m really looking forward to getting my teeth into that. I’m going to give my 100% effort for it all.’
RUFUS HOUND
Age: 41
Profession: Comedian
Rufus says: ‘I’m doing it for the money. I don’t know if you’ve heard but about six months ago this global pandemic hit and made just about everything I’ve ever done to earn a pound note disappear!’
DENISE VAN OUTEN
Age: 46
Profession: Performer and presenter, best known for The Big Breakfast
Denise says: ‘I’m really excited. Finally, I get to tell people. I’ve kept this a secret from most of my friends and family. Betsy [her daughter] doesn’t even know….’
SONNY JAY
Age: 27
Profession: Singer and radio presenter, best known for his daily Breakfast Show on Capital Radio
Sonny says: ‘I don’t want to fall over, not in front of the nation. I don’t want to be a meme the next day!’
JOE-WARREN PLANT
Age: 18
Profession: Actor best known for his role as Jacob Gallagher in Emmerdale
Joe-Warren says: ‘I’m super excited. I’m glad I have the time off Emmerdale to really focus on training…’
GRAHAM BELL
Age: 54
Profession: Former Olympic skier, who is also a TV presenter, adventurer and journalist
Graham says: ‘Ice doesn’t scare me, it’s the dancing… [My experience was confined to] ‘dancing on tables, wearing ski boots in après ski. It’s not graceful and elegant!’
LADY LESHURR
Age: 30
Profession: Rapper
Lady says: ‘I’m petrified, (but) I’ve always wanted to ice skate so what’s better than doing it in front of millions of people.’
Billie Faiers
Age: 30
Profession: Television personality
Billie says: ‘I am soooo excited to announce that I will be taking part. I still can’t believe I am actually doing it!!’