Colin Jackson has revealed he turned down the chance to appear in a same-sex partnership on Dancing On Ice.
The former Olympic hurdler is one of 12 stars competing on the new series of the ITV skating show, where he is paired up with professional Klabera Komini.
Speaking to The Sun, Colin explained that he decided not to follow in the footsteps of last year’s ground-breaking pairing, Ian ‘H’ Watkins and Matt Evers.
“I could have danced with a man on DOI. But I didn’t want to,” he said. “I get on better with women to be honest.
“Me and my dance partner Klabera have an absolute blast. We are giggling all the time, and sharing too many sweets – mainly wine gums!
“If you are going to be with someone 24/7 it better be someone you get on with – and we get on so well.”
Colin, who came second on Strictly Come Dancing in 2005 with partner Erin Boag, added: “Also I’m a bit of a traditionalist – when I was on Strictly I danced with a woman too.”
Dancing On Ice made TV history with the introduction of a same-sex partnership last year, with H and Matt eventually making it to fifth week of the competition.
Strictly Come Dancing followed suit later in 2020 when Nicola Adams and Katya Jones were paired together, although they had to withdraw early on into the series when Katya contracted coronavirus.
Competing alongside Colin on the new series of Dancing On Ice are the likes of Myleene Klass, Denise Van Outen and Rebekah Vardy.
Dancing On Ice begins on Sunday at 6pm on ITV.