‘Dancing on Ice’ professional Matt Evers reacts to same sex couple complaints

Dancing on Ice made history last weekend, when professional Matt Evers shared his first dance with celebrity contestant Ian ‘H’ Watkins in the rink. As it turns out though, not every single viewer was thrilled to finally see a same sex couple performing together on the show.

According to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, ITV has received 16 complaints about the Panic! At the Disco-set routine since Sunday’s premiere. Now, Evers has reacted to the backlash on social media.

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Taking to Twitter, he shared a Daily Mirror article about the criticism, joking: “16 out of 5.5 million… the odds are in our favour.”

His tweet was met with numerous encouraging comments.

“People really don't have much to do with their time! It's not the dark ages anymore, move on,” a supportive follower said.

“I’ll quote my 15 year old,” a second added. “I don’t get what the big deal is. A celebrity is dancing with a Pro Skater. We have men’s/women’s doubles in Tennis?”

“Complaints about what, exactly?” one asked, as another replied: “Not enough sequins, I hope.”

Watkins, who is gay, opened up about how important it is that Dancing on Ice is finally embracing diversity and providing positive representation for its audience on the show.

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Following his first skate, he said he was feeling “emotional, because I have wanted this for so long and it means so much to so many people. And the world is ready for this.”

New judge John Barrowman praised the move too, breaking down in tears as he said how great it was to see a pairing that “represents someone who is like me.”

Dancing on Ice continues on Sunday 12 January at 6pm on ITV.