Dancing on Ice judge John Barrowman has criticised shows such as Strictly Come Dancing for failing to make same-sex couples a permanent fixture.
It marks the first time a same-sex couple have been paired together on a competitive reality TV show in the UK.
Steps singer Ian “H” Watkins has teamed up with professional skater Matt Evers in the new series of the ITV show.
Barrowman, 51, has been a leading supporter of the decision to introduce same-sex couples on the show, and been a vocal critic of others that have yet to catch up.