Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (2024)

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Bitter split Fatherhood Statue FAQs

Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins is about to be a regular face on TV screens across the nation once again as he takes part in the brand new series of Celebrity Masterchef.

The 48-year-old catapulted to fame as one fifth of pop band Steps in the late 90s. The band achieved a series of chart-topping singles between 1997 and 2001 including two number-one singles in the UK as well as two number one albums in the UK too.

Although Steps came to an end in 2001, H continued music with his bandmate Claire Richards, releasing three singles and an album. In 2011, Steps reunited for a documentary and have continued to perform in sell-out tours since.

Away from the spotlight, H's life has been busy and also controversial. So as MasterChef kicks off tonight, we've taken a look at some of H's moments that hit the headlines.

Bitter split

Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (1)

The former Dancing On Ice star experienced a heartbreaking split from his partner of ten years, Craig Ryder, in 2017. They separated just one year after welcoming their twin sons, Macsen and Cybi, via surrogacy in March 2016.

His ex-partner labelled the Welshman a "bully" as they engaged in a bitter legal dispute over a Range Rover. In January 2019, H took legal action against the actor over the vehicle, claiming he had lent him £15,000 to buy the car.

However, the Bat out of Hell star reportedly maintains that the money was a gift, branding H a "financial bully" who had 'deleted him' from his life. While addressing Judge Edward Bailey at the City of London County Court, he stated: "I would never take a loan. We had been together for many years and we have children together."

Three years after his split, H found romance with his new beau, Tom. But unfortunately, the pair split three months after dating.

Fatherhood

Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (2)

H has been open about his life as a single father to two twin boys recently describing it as "brutal". In 2021, he told Sky News that life as a single father can be "tough" and "a little bit crazy but he wants to highlight that modern family life is changing and comes in different forms.

He said: "I have been a single parent virtually from the beginning, I guess, so I know exactly what it's like to be outnumbered if you are a single parent out there," he tells Sky News. "It's tough... There is no traditional family unit anymore. Families come in all shapes and sizes.

"When it comes to single parent families, I'm outnumbered, completely. So I have to divide my time and I have to devote attention to what's needed. I am a little bit of a, well, 90%, I'd say, I'm bad cop because I have to be, you know, I do rule my children with discipline, but I also put the fun dad hat on as well. So it's a juggling act, really. And it's tough."

Statue

Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (3)

Earlier this year, H made light of reports which claimed he was to be honoured with a statue in his hometown, labelling the news as "fake". Media outlets were buzzing with stories back in April as Steps star was set to be immortalised in an 8-foot-tall tribute in Cowbridge.

H later revealed the truth behind the story: "If you've watched @joelycett last night then you'll know that it was FAKE NEWS! Just a bit of fun to distract from the damaging fake news stories that are made on a daily basis," he wrote over the weekend.

Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (4)

H didn't stop there, he also highlighted the reaction of some online users: "I also knew that this story would shine a spotlight on the keyboard warriors! The ones that whinge day in, day out! And boy did it bring them out! The ones that feel that they are entitled, but do very little to contribute."

He concluded his message by urging people to focus on more important issues: "Perhaps if the people that screamed loudly about this could focus on supporting issues that really matter.... local businesses that are struggling, the children's play park that needs updating, the fact that young people have nowhere to go, donating to food banks, or maybe helping to set up support groups for minorities? THAT would be time well spent!"

MasterChef kicks off tonight at 8pm on BBC One.

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Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy (2024)

FAQs

Ian H Watkins' messy split from hubby, adorable twins and statue controversy? ›

Bitter split

What happened to H in Steps? ›

The Steps singer has been a part of many controversies over the years, and now he's set for Celebrity MasterChef. Steps singer Ian 'H' Watkins is about to be a regular face on TV screens across the nation once again as he takes part in the brand new series of Celebrity Masterchef.

Does Ian H. Watkins have a partner? ›

In 2016, they became fathers to twin sons, born via a surrogate. As of November 2020, Watkins has been in a relationship with Tom Hope.

Who is H on MasterChef? ›

Ian “H” Watkins from Steps tells Gregg Wallace about his cooking skills, and what he cooks for his kids.

Who is the singer called H? ›

Ian 'H' Watkins is a famed singer and actor, who rose to fame as a member of the British pop group Steps. Professionally known as H from Steps, Ian has achieved a series of number-one singles and was also nominated for Best Newcomer at the BRIT Awards 1999.

Why did Claire and H leave Steps? ›

However, it has since come to light that both Watkins and Richards left the group on the last night of the Steps' Gold: Greatest Hits tour, because of their ongoing unhappiness within the group, although Steps' official statement stated that the split was caused by their belief that they should end on a high, while ...

Who is the richest member of Steps? ›

According to Celebrity Net Worth, Steps' Claire Richards has a staggering net worth of a whopping $500,000, which is equal to around £370,000.

When did Ian H Watkins come out? ›

Watkins came out publicly as gay in 2007, as he prepared to enter the Celebrity Big Brother house.

Did Ian Watkins have children? ›

Related Articles. The former Dancing On Ice star experienced a heartbreaking split from his partner of ten years, Craig Ryder, in 2017. They separated just one year after welcoming their twin sons, Macsen and Cybi, via surrogacy in March 2016.

What is Ian Watkins doing now? ›

Watkins is currently 10 years into a 29-year prison sentence for a litany of heinous sex offenses, including the rape of a child who was under the age of 13, conspiracy to rape a one-year-old baby girl, and possession of child pornography.

Who is the most famous person from MasterChef? ›

Who Is the Most Famous MasterChef Contestant?
  • Gordon Ramsay. Although not a contestant, Gordon Ramsay is the most famous face associated with MasterChef globally, serving as a judge and mentor. ...
  • Luca Manfé ...
  • Christine Ha. ...
  • Claudia Sandoval. ...
  • Dino Angelo Luciano. ...
  • Reynold Poernomo. ...
  • Poh Ling Yeow. ...
  • Whitney Miller.

Who is the guy with white glasses on MasterChef? ›

Graham Elliot

Who is the Michelin star Chef on MasterChef? ›

Marcus Wareing is a Michelin-starred chef and restaurateur, TV personality and acclaimed cookbook author.

Which singer changed his name? ›

Prince famously ditched his iconic stage name for a symbol, leaving many people to call him The Artist Formerly Known as Prince.

What is the singer called H.E.R. real name? ›

Gabriella Sarmiento Wilson (born June 27, 1997), known professionally as H.E.R. (pronounced "her", acronym for "Having Everything Revealed"), is an American R&B singer.

Is Jason Aldean a celebrity? ›

Jason Aldine Williams (born February 28, 1977), known professionally as Jason Aldean, is an American country music singer. Since 2005, he has been signed to Broken Bow Records, a record label for which he has released eleven albums and 40 singles.

Why is Ian from Steps called H? ›

Ian "H" Watkins (born 8 May 1976) is a Welsh singer, dancer and actor. He was born in Cwmparc. He is best known for being a member of the British pop group Steps. He has said that "H" stands for "hyperactive", describing his character.

Did H from Steps have a baby? ›

Ian 'H' Watkins from the pop band Steps is dad to six-year-old twin boys, Macsen and Cybi, who were born through an egg donor and surrogate after a long and difficult journey to parenting for H. He talks about the emotional challenges for members of the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to parenting, and his rocky road to ...

What did the lostprophets do? ›

His career ended after he was sentenced to 29 years' imprisonment in 2013 for multiple sex offences, including the sexual assault of young children and infants, and the possession of "extreme" child and animal pornographic material, a sentence later increased by ten months for having a mobile phone in prison.

What happened to Lee from Steps? ›

Lee turned to the stage after Steps' original split, starring in Grease in the West End and he also opted for reality TV, winning Commando VIP. The versatile performer, 49, is a qualified personal trainer and last year launched a workout based on the band's hits - The 5,6,7,8 Method.

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