The current series of Dancing On Ice is only the second year that professional ice skater Joe Johnson has appeared yet he’s already established himself as a fan favourite.
Last year Joe was paired with gymnastic medalist Amy Tinkler and this year he is paired with Love Island’s Liberty Poole.
As the pair stole the show during the last live show, Daily Star has taken a look into Joe’s life after he came to the UK from the US.
From being in the first openly gay team at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships to gushing over his boyfriend, Joe has lived a wild life already.
American Boy
Joe, 27, – whose actual name is Joseph – was born on May 5, 1994.
He is based in Colorado and has been skating since 2003.
An accomplished pro, he has competed in Skate America, the US International Classic, US National Championships and the Midwestern Sectional Championships.
He has also performed with the famous Cirque du Soleil with skating partner Karina Manta in 2019.
Coming out
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 October 2018, his skating partner Karina also came out publicly, and the pair became the first openly queer team at the 2019 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.
Karina is also now competing on Dancing on Ice and was paired with Graham Bell.
Love life
In the OutSports 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.”
His partner Liberty also addressed rumours they were romantically involved, telling new! magazine: “We get on so well. We’re very similar. He is just the biggest ball of energy and now he’s like a brother to me.
“We have the best time, we’re always laughing and having fun. I definitely think you’ll see that. We’ll be the entertainment and the silly ones. I don’t think Joe goes for me. We’re just the best of friends.”
TV role
Announcing his role on Dancing On Ice in 2021, 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.”
He and partner Liberty Poole have managed to survive the first elimination, with Ben Foden leaving the show after skating off against Ria Hebden.
Dancing On Ice continues this Sunday at 6pm on ITV
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
