JOE Johnson is a brand new face to the Dancing On Ice rink this year.
The professional figure skater is joining the pro team to show off his skating capabilities when the series kicks off.
Who is Joe Johnson?
Joe Johnson is a professional ice skater based in Colorado.
The pair have competed in Skate America, the US International Classic, US National Championships and the Midwestern Sectional Championships.
He has performed with Cirque du Soleil with skating partner Karina Manta in 2019
In October 2018, his partner Karina also came out publicly, and the pair became the first openly queer team at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Announcing his role on the dancing competition, Joe posted: “Just touched down in London town (two weeks ago for quarantine) to join the amazing cast of @dancingonice 2021!
“Feeling very thankful for the opportunity, and can’t wait to get started.”
Is Joe Johnson married?
No, Joe isn’t married.
The talented skater has been out on social media in recent years.
He told OutSports in 2018: “I just kinda started talking about it on social media one day because it stopped being convenient to skirt around. I certainly didn’t feel obligated.”
“I do think that LGBTQ people having to come out to legitimize ourselves is unfortunate, because being both LGBTQ and a private person is like… a thing that some people are.”
In the same interview, Joe also revealed he had a boyfriend called Zac.
He said: “His name is Zac, he’s my boyfriend, and he’s adorable. We met in March, and it’s been a happy few months.
“He’s a wonderfully gifted photographer, chef, Legend of Zelda prodigy, handyman, sweetheart, you name it.”
It is not known if Joe and Zac are still together.
When does Dancing On Ice 2021 start?
The new series of Dancing On Ice begins on January 17.
Things will kick off at 6pm on ITV, with catch ups available on ITV Hub.
Due to the pandemic stars have had to form bubbles with their partners.
The full lineup of celebrity contestants includes:
- Denise Van Outen
- Myleene Klass
- Joe-Warren Plant
- Colin Jackson
- Rufus Hound
- Faye Brookes
- Jason Donovan
- Sonny Jay
- Graham Bell
- Rebekah Vardy
- Lady Leshurr
- Billie Shepherd