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Dancing On Ice fans ‘in tears’ as Ian H Watkins and Matt Evers make debut as show’s first same-sex couple
DANCING On Ice fans were emotional this evening as Ian H Watkins and Matt Evers made their debut as the show's first ever same-sex couple.
Tonight's Christmas special of the ITV series introduced the new series' contestants, with past skaters also making guest appearances.
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But it was Ian and Matt who stole the show, with viewers flocking to Twitter to mark the momentous occasion.
As the pair made their first appearance on the ice in front of the judges, one fan wrote: "It’s incredible to see same sex dance partners on #DancingOnIce I’m LIVING for it".
Another added: "I'm so proud of @Ianhwatkins and @TheMattEvers, can't describe how emotional I am seeing them together."
A third said: "Currently crying over @Ianhwatkins & @TheMattEvers. This is history, this amazing. I'm so emotional and proud."
Speaking in his video trailer, Ian said that he always knew he'd want to be partnered with a man if he ever took part in the show.
He said: "Because I am a gay guy, it was always in my mind that I wanted a same-sex partner."
Ian later added to Matt: "This journey is so so personal and important to both of us."
Matt continued: "It's going to mean a lot to a lot of people in this country and around the world."
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The pair then "cheersed to change" as they prepared to make their debut.
Dancing On Ice won praise from fans earlier this year after confirming that they were going to make TV history by pairing two men together for the competition.
Rival BBC show Strictly Come Dancing was also slammed for not reaching the milestone first, with viewers and celebs alike agreeing that it was time to include same-sex couples.
However, The Sun Online previously revealed that Matt and Ian have been struggling with some of the iconic ice-skating moves due to their "privates".
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Matt, 43, told us that they had to switch up their moves because Ian's manhood was getting in the way.
He shared: "His 'balls' got in the way on a roll up lift.
"Found something with same sex partnership that may not be done. The first thing."
The pro had previously joked: "We’re in full-on practice mode. There’s a practical difference, though.
"Parts of his anatomy get in the way in certain moves, on some of the lifts."
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H from Steps with his Dancing on Ice partner Matt Evers, the first-ever same-sex partnership
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Matt added: "We’re having to alter the lifts because it’s never been done before."
The star also admitted that he felt "pressure" from being part of such an iconic moment in TV history - and that he'll let his routines be led by audience reaction.
He explained at the time: "I feel extra pressure, I want to do it justice. We’re trying to make it normal.
"If the audience and fans embrace it, we’re going to push it a bit more. If they don’t, we’ll strip it back and it’ll be more of a friendship."
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