Dancing on Ice host Holly Willoughby slams TV bosses for not introducing same-sex couples sooner

DANCING On Ice host Holly Willoughby has criticised TV bosses for not introducing same sex couples sooner. The next series of the ITV show will feature former Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, 43, paired up with pro skater Matt Evers, also 43 — a first for primetime telly. But Holly — who hosts the series […]

DANCING On Ice host Holly Willoughby has criticised TV bosses for not introducing same sex couples sooner.

The next series of the ITV show will feature former Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins, 43, paired up with pro skater Matt Evers, also 43 — a first for primetime telly.

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But Holly — who hosts the series with Phillip Schofield, 57 — said it is long overdue, adding: “I think what that symbolises and what that means on how far we’ve come.

“A primetime show has a same-sex couple skating together and why shouldn’t they?

“It should have been happening a long time ago. For that reason, I’m very proud of Dancing on Ice.”

Pro skater Matt Evers, of their training ahead of the new series’ launch next month: “We’re in full-on practice mode. There’s a practical difference, though.”

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“Parts of his anatomy get in the way in certain moves, on some of the lifts.”

He added: “We’re having to alter the lifts because it’s never been done before.”

The Sun exclusively revealed how a rift had formed between the presenters over Holly’s I’m A Celebrity Bafta win earlier this year.

It escalated further when Holly wanted Phil to stop posting pictures of her drinking on his social media, but was too nervous to ask him so asked their shared management company to step in.

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