Ian Watkins aka H

Ian Watkins born 8 May 1976

Ian Watkins (born in Llwynypia, Rhondda, Wales), better known as H from Steps, is a Welsh Pop singer, one of the five members of the now defunct pop group Steps. He has said that 'H' stands for 'hyperactive', describing his character - it later emerged that it may have meant something else entirely. Before joining Steps, he worked as a redcoat for Butlins holiday parks.

As a result of his hyperactive, camp persona and seemingly limited contribution to the success of Steps, he was voted number 8 in a 2003 poll of the 100 Worst Britons.

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. He was filmed through the course and it was broadcast as a reality TV series, H-side Story, which followed him as he tried to make a new career in acting. At the end of the course H passed his exam and graduated from the academy. After graduating from the academy H travelled to New York to continue refining his acting skills. Following his extra tuition in New York, H has successfully obtained a job on the West End, and toured the country starring in the production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat in Autumn 2006.

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 solider Dave in episodes set in the Welsh countryside.


On 3 January 2007, Ian Watkins came out as gay in an interview with The Sun newspaper. He also revealed that he had been involved in a ten-year relationship with Steps' manager, Tim Byrne, though this had ended several months earlier. Prior to this, Ian had hidden the fact he was gay from fans, although rumours were widespread. His interview was published the same day he entered the Celebrity Big Brother house...

Watkins has continued to find regular pantomime work.

There is talk of a one-off Steps reunion.