Ian H Watkins' life off-screen from messy split to baby news and controversial statue

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.

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.

H has been open