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Ian H Watkins has still not recovered from an ‘awful virus’ that he caught several months ago as he discussed his health woes and teased a huge career move.
The singer, 48, who rose to fame as a member of the British pop group Steps, shared that he has now lost half of his vocal range after falling ill four months ago during the Birmingham launch of Steps The Musical.
When asked if he has any more plans to tour as a band, Ian revealed to Heat Magazine: ‘When we launched Steps The Musical in Birmingham, I had this awful virus and I still have not recovered from that.’
‘So, if I had been asked to do a show, I would have had to have cancelled. Half of my range has just gone. It knocked me for six.’
However, the star hinted that the band will do something to mark their 30th anniversary in a couple of years.
Elsewhere during the interview, Ian also revealed his plans to start a new career as an art teacher.
Ian H Watkins has still not recovered from an ‘awful virus’ that he caught several months ago as he opened up about his health woes and teased a huge career move (pictured 2020)
The singer, 48, who rose to fame as a member of the British pop group Steps, shared that he has now lost half of his vocal range after falling ill four months ago (pictured 2022)
Admitting that he is very privileged to be able to work when he wants to, Ian said: ‘I am going to our local school to teach the kids art. I’m very privileged that I can do the school run, paint, take a little job here and there.’
The former frontman of the late 90’s pop band spends the majority of his time working as a professional artist – selling his paintings for thousands of pounds.
Steps ruled the charts after forming in 1997, with mega-hits such as Tragedy, 5, 6, 7, 8, and Deeper Shade Of Blue.
However, after years of chart-topping success, the band parted ways in 2001. And many years later, Ian rediscovered his love of painting and it wasn’t long before he became a professional artist.
Ian previously took to Instagram to share a clip with fans, giving them a glimpse at his third art exhibition of the year.
In the clip, he shared a sweet message about his decision to become an artist as he proudly showed all of his creations on the wall.
He captioned the post at the time: ‘My 3rd Art exhibition this year. This time at @cloudgalleryfineart ! I’m totally blown away!’
‘Still feeling a little overwhelmed by everyone who came. These are different kind of shows to what I’m used to! Usually I’m on stage and I have 4 other band mates.’
When asked if he has any more plans to tour as a band, Ian revealed: ‘When we launched Steps The Musical in Birmingham, I had this awful virus and I still have not recovered from that’ (pictured 2020)
Elsewhere during the interview, Ian also revealed his plans to start a new career as an art teacher after rediscovering his love of painting
‘But an art exhibition is up close and very personal. Nowhere to hide. Discussing my process and why I paint… and I love how that connects with people.’
He continued: ‘My work will be on display at Cloud Gallery in Chichester.. so if you’re around, pop in to see Gavin and his brilliant team.’
When Ian was 18 years old he was accepted at Cardiff School of Art and Design but decided to defer his place as he wanted to dabble in the showbiz industry.
He previously told the BBC: ‘I packed up my artistic dreams in a box and put it on the top shelf.’
Ian added: ‘I always knew I would open it up one day. And now’s that time.’
