“It’s a huge weight lifted off of your shoulders,” Dancing on Ice star Colin Grafton says of coming out to the world. “If I could help someone else on their journey by coming out publicly, then it makes me a very happy person.”
The US figure skater came out publicly in an interview with PinkNews last year, saying he never felt the need to announce his sexuality to the world, but wanted to champion representation in any way he could.
“It’s been amazing,” he says of the response. “I never expected to get beautiful messages from people of all different ages showing their support.”
ITV announced last month that Dancing on Ice had been “rested” with “no current plans for another series”. The show began in 2006 but took a break after the ninth series in 2014, before returning to screens in 2018.
Despite the news, Grafton will be remaining in London, which, he admits, is a welcome break from the divisive politics in the US, where president Donald Trump has signed a series of anti-LGBTQ+ executive orders.
“I’m visiting my parents now,” he says from the family home in Boston. “Because I’m not here all time, you can feel there is a tension. It’s not an easy time for a lot of people but it’s important to stay positive and be compassionate and kind to everyone, and hopefully we’ll have better days.”
He has been “obsessed” with the UK ever since watching the Harry Potter films as a child. “To be able to live there and call it home is so cool,” he says.
The break from Dancing on Ice also gives him time to focus on dating.
He has been single for more than a year and admits that the “long distance was really hard” with his most recent relationship, which he refers to as his first serious adult relationship, being with a man in Mexico.
They are “still on really good terms” and he now feels ready to start dating again. He is hoping to find a team player with whom he can “navigate this crazy world”.
The star went on to insist: “It also has to be very kind. Kindness is everything, and [have] a good sense of humour.” Tall, dark and handsome, wouldn’t hurt, he added jokingly.
However, the former US junior bronze medallist isn’t on Grindr, but is on Raya: a private, membership-based dating app.
‘Being upfront about what you want is really important’
“Gayting” can be tricky, he believes. “There [are] a lot of stereotypes around gay dating, it’s hard in general to find someone who’s a real person down to the core. Sometimes the person will say they want something but in reality they want something else. Being upfront about what you want is really important, especially in 2025, so you’re not wasting anyone’s time.”
His dream date would be in summer: “A picnic in the park, finger-food and a nice bottle of wine, and getting to know each other on a one-on-one basis. Something simple like that, where we could have a more intimate space. The restaurants can come after.”
Grafton made history during his debut season of Dancing on Ice in 2023, by partnering with RuPaul’s Drag Race star The Vivienne, the first drag artist to take part in the show. They reached the final, finishing third.
Born James Lee Williams, the drag star died earlier this year at their home near Chester after suffering a cardiac arrest related to the effects of taking the drug ketamine. They were 32. “It was such a shock to everyone, myself included. We had a really, really great relationship,” Grafton reveals.
Williams’ family have begun working with substance abuse charity Adferiad to raise awareness about the impact of substance abuse and addiction.
‘She was such a wonderful role model’
Grafton thanks his skating partner this year, Mollie Pearce from The Traitors, who helped him get through, despite being “constantly reminded” of The Vivienne, having been placed in the same dressing room as two years ago.
“I know that she would want me to go out there and do the best I could do and honour our memory skating together because of everything we achieved, and that’s what we did.
And for anyone affected by the drag star’s death, he adds: “Look at the shining light that Viv was, such a wonderful role model in so many ways and for so many people.
“I think it’s just keeping that spirit alive, embodying that, and being your own light. Also, reach out for help if you need it.”
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