Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers make history with first EVER same-sex routine on Dancing On Ice

Steps Ian ‘H’ Watkins and professional partner Matt Evers made history on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night as they became the first ever couple to perform a same-sex routine. 

The pair danced an emotional routine to High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, with Ian, 43, reducing new judge John Barrowman to tears with the words: ‘The world is ready for this’, following their performance. 

And it was an eventful launch show for six of the 12 celebrities who took to the rink, with Trisha Goddard, 62,  being the first star to take a dramatic tumble on the ice. 

The pair danced an emotional routine to High Hopes by Panic at the Disco, with Ian, 43, reducing new judge John Barrowman to tears with the words: 'The world is ready for this', following their performance

Emotional: Steps Ian ‘H’ Watkins and professional partner Matt Evers made history on Dancing On Ice on Sunday night as they become the first ever couple to perform a same-sex routine

Ahead of his performance, Ian addressed the prospect of becoming the first ever in the show’s 14-year history to dance with a same-sex partner. 

Ian said: ‘I am a gay guy. I always wanted a same sex partner.’

Matt, 43, who is also gay, said: ‘This year is pretty special, after 11 years of Dancing On Ice I will have a same-sex partner. 

‘I’m really excited and there’s no line drawn for us. We’re going to set the rules.’ 

Stumble: And it was an eventful launch show for six of the 12 celebrities who took to the rink, with Trisha Goddard, 62, being the first star to take a dramatic tumble on the ice

Stumble: And it was an eventful launch show for six of the 12 celebrities who took to the rink, with Trisha Goddard, 62, being the first star to take a dramatic tumble on the ice

Making history: Ahead of his performance, Ian addressed the prospect of becoming the first ever in the show's 14-year history to dance with a same-sex partner. Ian said: 'I am a gay guy. I always wanted a same sex partner.'

Making history: Ahead of his performance, Ian addressed the prospect of becoming the first ever in the show’s 14-year history to dance with a same-sex partner. Ian said: ‘I am a gay guy. I always wanted a same sex partner.’

New rules: Matt, 43, who is also gay, said: 'This year is pretty special, after 11 years of Dancing On Ice I will have a same-sex partner. 'I'm really excited and there's no line drawn for us. We're going to set the rules.'

New rules: Matt, 43, who is also gay, said: ‘This year is pretty special, after 11 years of Dancing On Ice I will have a same-sex partner. ‘I’m really excited and there’s no line drawn for us. We’re going to set the rules.’

Discussing the differences they face after meeting each other on the rink, Matt said: The first day we reached to grab each others hand and we both had our hand down.’ 

Ian joked: ‘We’ve found out who is lifting who. I’m not lifting Matt.’ 

The pair placed second on the leaderboard, scoring 25 out of 40 and were commended for the milestone with a standing ovation from the judges. 

'The world is ready for this': In response to a tumultuous applause from the audience, an emotional Ian said: I feel that I've wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. The world is ready for this'

‘The world is ready for this’: In response to a tumultuous applause from the audience, an emotional Ian said: I feel that I’ve wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. The world is ready for this’

Overwhelmed: John said with tears rolling down his face: 'That makes me happy on a multitude of levels. Seeing two men who represent someone like me'

Overwhelmed: John said with tears rolling down his face: ‘That makes me happy on a multitude of levels. Seeing two men who represent someone like me’

Amazing: The pair placed second on the leaderboard, scoring 25 out of 40 and were commended for the milestone with a standing ovation from the judges

Amazing: The pair placed second on the leaderboard, scoring 25 out of 40 and were commended for the milestone with a standing ovation from the judges

In response to a tumultuous applause from the audience, an emotional Ian said: I feel that I’ve wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. The world is ready for this.’   

Matt added: ‘Thank you for everybody at home, this is normal.’

John said with tears rolling down his face:  ‘That makes me happy on a multitude of levels. Seeing two men who represent someone like me. 

‘We’ve shown you can do it. I’m overwhelmed. I’m almost speechless. It was wonderful.’ 

Oh dear: Trisha Goddard was the first celebrity to take fall on the Dancing On Ice launch and consequently found herself in the skate-off, which will take place on next week's show

Oh dear: Trisha Goddard was the first celebrity to take fall on the Dancing On Ice launch and consequently found herself in the skate-off, which will take place on next week’s show

Frustrated: The former chat show host, 62, admitted she was 'really angry' with herself after her stumble during her and professional partner Łukasz Różyck's performance to Give It Up

Frustrated: The former chat show host, 62, admitted she was ‘really angry’ with herself after her stumble during her and professional partner Łukasz Różyck’s performance to Give It Up

Pep talk: As she prepared to be critiqued by the judging panel, host Phillip Schofield told Trisha: 'I always think, and the judges will agree once you've had a tumble to get back and continue is one of the biggest things'

Pep talk: As she prepared to be critiqued by the judging panel, host Phillip Schofield told Trisha: ‘I always think, and the judges will agree once you’ve had a tumble to get back and continue is one of the biggest things’

Head judge Christopher Dean added: We want to thank you for making this happen’, while Jayne Torvill added: ‘I loved the routine, the joy on both of your faces performing it.’

Ashley Banjo concluded: ‘I’m proud of you guys, you had a lot of eyes watching you. You delivered execution perfectly. You are here to really compete. There is lots to come from you guys.’

Taken aback, Ian said: ‘I’m overwhelmed I tried to channel everything between Matt and myself.’ 

Trisha Goddard was the first celebrity to take fall on the Dancing On Ice launch and consequently found herself in the skate-off, which will take place on next week’s show. 

Hard on herself: Trisha replied: 'Story of my life, I’m really angry with myself. I’m 62. Somebody made a comment saying "pensioners shouldn’t be doing this" and when I fell over I had the comment in my mind'

Hard on herself: Trisha replied: ‘Story of my life, I’m really angry with myself. I’m 62. Somebody made a comment saying “pensioners shouldn’t be doing this” and when I fell over I had the comment in my mind’

The former chat show host, 62, admitted she was ‘really angry’ with herself after her stumble during her and professional partner Łukasz Różyck’s performance to Give It Up. 

As she prepared to be critiqued by the judging panel, host Phillip Schofield told Trisha: ‘I always think, and the judges will agree once you’ve had a tumble to get back and continue is one of the biggest things.’

Trisha replied: ‘Story of my life, I’m really angry with myself. I’m 62. Somebody made a comment saying  “pensioners shouldn’t be doing this” and when I fell over I had the comment in my mind.’

But Ashley firmly told her: ‘No you’re proving them wrong the opposite of this. You’re a legend, a pro. You fell, you got up and got through it. To get the high scores you’re going to need more content, more speed, more attack.

Boosting Trisha’s confidence, Jayne added: .Well done for carrying on its something you’ve never done before the courage to try things.’    

Joe Swash kick-started the launch show. The television personality, 37, took to the floor to perform a routine to Olly Murs’ Dance With Me Tonight, with last year’s winner Alexandra Schauman, 38. 

As Joe took to the rink, his proud girlfriend Stacey Solomon watched from the audience with their baby son Rex, eight months, who wore noise cancelling headphones.    

His debut: Joe Swash kick-started Dancing On Ice's launch show on Sunday night

His debut: Joe Swash kick-started Dancing On Ice's launch show on Sunday night

His debut: Joe Swash kick-started Dancing On Ice’s launch show on Sunday night

Ahead of the performance, Joe told the camera: ‘I know I’m going to look a bit stupid on the ice, yeah I’m going down a lot,’ while Alexandra said: ‘I think I need to rein you in. You are like a bull in a china shop.’ 

During his routine, Joe performed a step sequence with a twizzle and pull through combination. 

The former EastEnders actor managed to score 21.5 out of 40. Heading over to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield he said: ‘I nearly went! There was a moment.’

When asked by Phil how he felt to start the show, Joe said: ‘It was quite terrifying to be fair, there’s a lot of people here. I don’t breathe. I got to the sixth step and then I’m worn out’. 

The camera then flashed to his girlfriend Stacey Solomon, who cheered from the audience with their son Rex.   

Proud: Joe's girlfriend Stacey Solomon cheered from the audience with their son Rex

Proud: Joe’s girlfriend Stacey Solomon cheered from the audience with their son Rex

Wow: The television personality, 37, took to the floor to perform a routine to Olly Murs’ Dance With Me Tonight, with last year’s winner Alexandra Schauman, 38

Unsteady: The former EastEnders actor managed to score 21.5 out of 40. Heading over to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield he said: 'I nearly went! There was a moment.

Unsteady: The former EastEnders actor managed to score 21.5 out of 40. Heading over to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield he said: ‘I nearly went! There was a moment.

Over excited: Ahead of the performance, Joe told the camera: ‘I know I’m going to look a bit stupid on the ice, yeah I’m going down a lot,’ while Alexandra said: ‘I think I need to rein you in. You are like a bull in a china shop’

Head judge Christopher Dean told Joe: ‘Backstage he was like a wasp in a bottle, but you came out here and made me smile. Was it perfect? No. Would it get a 10? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes.’ 

Jayne Torvill, meanwhile, told Joe she wanted to see more content in the future. 

Diversity’s Perri Kiely, 24, revealed he was feeling the pressure due to his background as his professional partner Vanessa Bauer was revealed. 

The street dancer looked dapper in a two piece suit and bow tie as he danced to Puttin’ On the Ritz by Robbie Williams. 

Wobbly: The former EastEnders actor managed to score 21.5 out of 40. Heading over to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield he said: 'I nearly went! There was a moment'

Wobbly: The former EastEnders actor managed to score 21.5 out of 40. Heading over to hosts Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield he said: ‘I nearly went! There was a moment’

They're back: Holly and Phil were dressed to impress, with the 37-year-old wowing in a pale pink gown with diamante detailing as they launched the show

They’re back: Holly and Phil were dressed to impress, with the 37-year-old wowing in a pale pink gown with diamante detailing as they launched the show 

'Wasp in a bottle': Head judge Christopher Dean told Joe: 'Backstage he was like a wasp in a bottle, but you came out here and made me smile. Was it perfect? No. Would it get a 10? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes.'

‘Wasp in a bottle’: Head judge Christopher Dean told Joe: ‘Backstage he was like a wasp in a bottle, but you came out here and made me smile. Was it perfect? No. Would it get a 10? No. Did I enjoy it? Yes.’

Talented: Diversity's Perri Kiely, 24, revealed he was feeling the pressure due to his background as his professional partner Vanessa Bauer was revealed

Talented: Diversity’s Perri Kiely, 24, revealed he was feeling the pressure due to his background as his professional partner Vanessa Bauer was revealed

His Diversity mentor Ashley Banjo awarded him seven points out of 10. He gained a 27.5 out of 40. 

He said: ‘You’ve got a lot of pressure, everyone saying “you’re going to be good”. A lot of pressure from me. You make things look too easy, there’s a lot of technicality. But you need to perform it aswell.’   

Coronation Street’s Lisa George faced her fears as she returned to the ice to perform 40 years after she sliced her chin open in a horror injury. 

The soap star, 47, who is partnered with new skater Tom  Naylor, said in her VT: ‘I was scared going back to skate 40 years ago I sliced my chin.’ 

Polished performance: The street dancer looked dapper in a two piece suit and bow tie as he danced to Puttin' On the Ritz by Robbie Williams

Polished performance: The street dancer looked dapper in a two piece suit and bow tie as he danced to Puttin’ On the Ritz by Robbie Williams

Amazing: His Diversity mentor Ashley Banjo awarded him seven points out of 10. He gained a 27.5 out of 40

Amazing: His Diversity mentor Ashley Banjo awarded him seven points out of 10. He gained a 27.5 out of 40

Backflip: Perri showed off some impressive acrobatic skills on the rink

Backflip: Perri showed off some impressive acrobatic skills on the rink

Despite her phobia, Lisa got her skates on while her dad watched on. Reflecting on her return, she said: ‘I felt so free I absolutely loved it. I am worried about my weight and Tom lifting me. But I have banish that fear and just go and do it. 

The pair danced to Natalie King’s When I Fall In Love with the actress doing solo skating and a Cinderella spin in her performance. 

Scoring 26.5 out of 40, Christopher gushed: I  got goosebumps it was such an emotional dance, I could see the little skater in you coming out tonight. It just all came together well done.’

Nerves: Ashley told him: 'You've got a lot of pressure, everyone saying "you're going to be good". A lot of pressure from me. You make things look too easy, there's a lot of technicality. But you need to perform it as well'

Nerves: Ashley told him: ‘You’ve got a lot of pressure, everyone saying “you’re going to be good”. A lot of pressure from me. You make things look too easy, there’s a lot of technicality. But you need to perform it as well’

As the other judges echoes Chris’ comments, Phil asked: ‘How does that make you feel?’ To which, Lisa said: ‘Its just amazing, it makes me want to cry.’

Holly added: ‘Your dad was crying in the audience.  There aren’t many dry eyes out there.’    

Britain’s Got Talent star Ben Hamlin, 33,  brought his magic to the ice as he incorporated an illusion with partner  Carlotta Edwards to Evanescence’s Bring Me To Life.

The television managed to perform a  foot slide and aeroplane lift but unfortunately stumbled at the end. 

Brave: Coronation Street's Lisa George faced her fears as she returned to the ice to perform 40 years after she sliced her chin open in a horror injury

Long lost passion: Lisa used to skate as a child but the fall left her traumatised

Brave: Coronation Street’s Lisa George faced her fears as she returned to the ice to perform 40 years after she sliced her chin open in a horror injury

In her element: Despite her phobia, Lisa got her skates on while her dad watched on. Reflecting on her return, she said: 'I felt so free I absolutely loved it'

In her element: Despite her phobia, Lisa got her skates on while her dad watched on. Reflecting on her return, she said: ‘I felt so free I absolutely loved it’

Stunning: The pair danced to Natalie King's When I Fall In Love with the actress doing solo skating and a Cinderella spin in her performance

Stunning: The pair danced to Natalie King’s When I Fall In Love with the actress doing solo skating and a Cinderella spin in her performance

Scoring 22.5,  judge Jayne told him: ‘I was impressed with the content of the routine you did lots of elements the easiest bit was when you wobbled but I was impressed with the content, well done’. 

Speaking of the wobbly moment, Ben told Holly: ‘It was going so well,’ trying to excuse the tumble he added: ‘Technically the music had finished.’

It comes after Jason Gardiner branded Holly and Philip fake’ amid claims they snubbed him following his Dancing On Ice exit.

The former judge, 48, spoke to The Sun about his disappointment and alleged that the co-hosts hadn’t bothered to even send him a message following his departure.

Speaking candidly, he told the publication: ‘Since it was announced I was leaving the show I’ve had nothing from Phil and Holly. Not even a text message.

‘It is hurtful, especially because when Phillip was getting a lot of negative attention recently I sent him a message of support.

‘I thought they would get in touch but I’ve learned this industry is full of fake and disingenuous people.’

 Jason also claimed that he had issues with Phil over the years, but said they dealt with things ‘man-to-man’ and had quashed their differences.

MailOnline have contacted representatives for Dancing on Ice, Holly, and Phil for comment.

Exciting: The judging panel (L-R Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean)made their entrance

Exciting: The judging panel (L-R Ashley Banjo, John Barrowman, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean)made their entrance 

 

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