| Ian "H" Watkins | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Ian Watkins |
| Also known as | "H" |
| Born | May 8, 1976 |
| Genres | Pop |
| Occupations | Singer, actor |
| Instruments | Vocals |
| Years active | 1997–present |
| Associated acts | Steps, Claire Richards, H & Claire |
| Website | http://www.ianhwatkins.com |
Ian "H" Watkins (born 8 May 1976) is a Welsh singer and actor. He is one of the five members of the British pop group Steps. He has said that "H" stands for "hyperactive", describing his character.[1]
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Watkins first appeared on stage with Frank Vickery productions, he then spent his teenage years with Spotlight Theatre Company. Before joining Steps, he worked as a redcoat for Butlins holiday parks.
After Steps split in 2001, he formed a duo with fellow ex-Steps member Claire Richards and became H & Claire. They released a few singles and then went their separate ways. He then decided to take a musical theatre course at the Royal Academy of Music. Whilst taking the course he also appeared in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and was filmed for a reality TV series, H-side Story, which followed him as he tried to make a new career in acting. In 2003 he was voted number 8 on a Channel 4 poll of 100 Worst Britons We Love to Hate.[2] After graduating from the academy Watkins travelled to New York to continue refining his acting skills. Following his extra tuition in New York, Watkins performed at Preston's Charter theatre in the pantomime Cinderella as the character of Buttons. In Summer 2007 he performed in the West End version of Fame. During Christmas 2007 he reprised his role as Buttons in the pantomime Cinderella at the Grimsby Auditorium. Christmas 2010 saw his return to Grimsby as he performed in the pantomime Beauty and the Beast playing the part of Muddles.
In June 2006, Watkins appeared in a special week of episodes of the BBC Radio Drama Silver Street on the BBC Asian Network. He played the character of former soldier Dave in episodes set in the Welsh countryside. In November 2006, Watkins featured on the BBC Children in Need Celebrity Scissorhands show, where Michelle cut his hair.
Watkins was the ninth housemate to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house on 3 January 2007.[3] He had complained to Big Brother about fellow housemate Shilpa Shetty being bullied. At times both Watkins and Shetty sat together talking amongst themselves. He finished in fourth place on Celebrity Big Brother 2007 and was the highest placed British contestant in the show.
In April 2007 Watkins starred as the 'hidden' celebrity in an episode of the CBBC show Hider in the House On 11 March 2008 Watkins presented a documentary about growing up gay in Wales, shown on BBC Wales.[4] Whilst filming for this Watkins interviewed Christian Voice leader Stephen Green. During the interview Green compared him to Jeffrey Dahmer.[5][6] Watkins starred in a production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang playing the part of the child catcher, with performances in Cardiff and Sunderland before touring with Frank Vickerys Erogenous Zones playing Michael.
In December 2008 Ian was a contestant in Bargain Hunt Famous Finds partnered with Connie Fisher. Ian played the role of 'Silly Billy' in pantomime Jack & The Beanstalk at the Southport Theatre from 10 December 2009 to 3 January 2010. Ian appeared on Skins, episode 2 of series 4.[7] He is due to appear in upcoming Living TV show Party Wars.[8] Ian also appeared in 'Cinderella'
Ever since the band's break-up, rumours had been circulating that they would reunite in one form or another. In 2009, Lee Latchford-Evans revealed that the band had been approached to perform a series of concerts. He hinted that a future reunion was possible, but that "it isn't the right time right now".[9] In Early 2011, rumours began circulating that Steps would reunite for a TV series and a one-off concert to mark the tenth anniversary of their 2001 split.[10] Despite the claims being reported by various news stations and newspapers, the reunion was denied by bands members, including Claire Richards on her Twitter page. Richards also announced on 9 July 2011, that a Steps reunion would be "silly", but she would "never say never".[11] However, contrary to these claims, just 12 days later, it was announced that Steps would be reuniting for a four-part Sky Living documentary, depicting their split and the intermittant years. The band would also release their 'Ultimate Collection', as well as potential new material.[12]
In a new promo for the show each member reveals their true feelings, with ‘H’ sharing that he regrets the way it all ended but insisting, “If I were to revisit it and turn the clock back, I would probably have done it exactly the same way.” Evans has commented: “They took something away from three people that we loved and we didn't get a choice because certain people took that choice away from us and I think that is very unfair.” Steps Reunion begins on Sky Living at 9pm on Wednesday, September 28.
Steps recently said in a recent interview with Digital Spy that they believe there is a gap in the market for their brand of "happy pop". Scott Lee said "Times have changed, but we are in a recession and Steps' music was very light-hearted and fun, so there could be a place for that in today's society," "What else is interesting is that there aren't any boy/girl pop groups out there at the moment, so there's definitely a gap there."[13]
On 3 January 2007, Watkins came out as gay, in an interview with The Sun newspaper.[14] His interview was published the same day he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house.
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