Steps Star Ian 'H' Watkins Takes on Celebrity MasterChef
Pop icon Ian 'H' Watkins, best known for his energetic performances with the iconic British pop group Steps, is swapping the stage for the kitchen as he embarks on a new challenge: competing in the latest series of BBC's *Celebrity MasterChef*.
Watkins, known for his high-energy stage presence and infectious enthusiasm, will be facing a different kind of "Tragedy" in the kitchen as he attempts to impress judges John Torode and Gregg Wallace with his culinary skills. He will be competing against four other celebrity contestants in the first week of heats, with the aim of securing a spot in the quarter-finals. Joining Watkins in the kitchen are *Geordie Shore
star Charlotte Crosby, radio presenters Edith Bowman and Snoochie Shy, and *This Morning* host Craig Doyle.
Watkins, who admits his culinary experience is limited to the air fryer and microwave, is looking forward to expanding his cooking repertoire and sharing his newfound passion with his family. He spoke to the BBC about his decision to take on this challenge, saying: "I wanted a challenge to sink my teeth into. I am known by my friends and family for not being able to cook up until this point!"
He went on to say: "When it comes to cooking, I'd say that I'm an expert with the air fryer and the microwave, so I wanted to take on *Celebrity MasterChef
to develop a skill that I could involve my children and family with going forward."
Despite his stage presence and experience performing for royalty, Watkins admits that the prospect of culinary competition is daunting. He shared with the BBC: "Intimidating to say the least. Iâm used to performing in the O2 arena, put me on a stage and I can do that with my eyes closed. Ask me to boil an egg in front of John and Gregg and I fall to pieces."
Watkins is well-known for his outspoken support of the LGBTQ+ community. He publicly came out as gay in 2007, as he was preparing to enter the *Celebrity Big Brother
house. While Steps have long been a favourite with LGBTQ+ fans, thanks to hits like "One For Sorrow" and "Stomp," Watkins' coming out further solidified the band's connection to the community.
He has spoken openly about feeling pressure to stay silent about his sexuality in the early days of his career, and credits former Steps member Lisa Scott-Lee for helping him deflect media inquiries about his personal life.
Watkins has since become a vocal advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, including the transgender community. He has also revealed that Steps once turned down a gig in Dubai due to the country's strict anti-LGBTQ+ laws.
Fans can watch Ian 'H' Watkins take on the *Celebrity MasterChef
challenge when the new series premieres on BBC1 at 8pm on Tuesday 13 August, and on BBC iPlayer.
