Ian H Watkins
Born and raised in the Rhondda Valley, South Wales, Ian has been performing since the age of 9. After leaving Art college, Ian's big break came when he answered an ad for a pop band. Little did he know that STEPS would go on to become one of the biggest selling acts of the nineties.
During his time in the pop word Ian released six albums, 22 singles, including 4 no.1s, (the only British band to have had more top ten hits is The Beatles), 20 million records sold worldwide, embarked on the largest arena tour in British history, (they still hold the record for the no.1 pop act at Wembley) and also won numerous awards.
During his time with STEPS, Ian combined music with TV presenting. He presented two series of the number one rating talent show 'Steps To The Stars' for the BBC, as well as numerous other TV shows including SM:tv Live, CDUK, Smash Hits Pollwinners Party, Diggit, Steps Into Summer, Disney and a Cirque Du Soleil special to name but a few.
After Steps, Ian joined forces with fellow band mate Claire to release 3 top ten singles, including a remake of the theme tune to the classic Disney film Beauty and The Beast, an album titled 'Another You Another Me'. The title song was especially written for them by Benny and Björn from Abba. They also took over presenting the award winning SM:tv Live.
He graduated from The Royal Academy Of Music with a Distinction. Whilst at The Academy his journey was documented by Channel 4 in the 6 part series H SIDE STORY. This was followed with two one hour specials filmed at the Stella Adler Studio in New York where Ian completed his course.
Since leaving college Ian has starred in the title role of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the New London Theatre, Drury Lane,which won him a Theatregoers Choice Award nomination. 'Nick Piazza' in Fame the musical at the Shaftsbury, 'Dave' in Before Bristol at the Old Red Lion, 'Gareth' in Frank Vickerys 'A Night on the Tiles' and five episodes of the BBC radio drama 'Silver Street'.
Ian has had a busy year ..... hes just finished playing 'The Childcatcher' in the London Palladiums production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang & the West End Premiere of William Finns 'Make Me a Song' and hes is now currently rehearsing for Frank Vickerys play 'Erogenous Zones'.