WHEN LOVE ISLAND’S Megan Barton Hanson was recently asked about her boyfriend’s appearance in the upcoming series of Dancing on Ice, she gave the public an insight into her archaic attitude towards so-called ‘gender norms’.

Matt Crossick Matt Crossick

As opposed to articulating her support for Wes Nelson, Megan made reference to what she considered an ‘unmanly’ aspect of the show, and asserted that she would only watch it if he wasn’t ‘repulsive’.

Charming, says you.

“I’m nervous to see him in sequins. I think I’m going to cringe so hard. That is so not manly,” she told Fabulous magazine.

So we’ll see how it goes. First week, if he’s not absolutely repulsive and cringing me out, I might go back.

Not only was Megan’s commentary on her partner’s upcoming endeavour severely lacking on the loyalty front, it provided a bleak insight into Megan’s understanding of sexism in all its forms.

Let’s for a moment reverse the roles, and imagine that Megan was taking part in a reality TV show that required her to learn a new skill, and don an ensemble not exactly in keeping with her standard attire.

And now let’s imagine that Wes deemed her efforts ‘butch’ or ‘unladylike’, asserted that he is likely to find her participation embarrassing and then said he would be unwilling to watch more than one episode if she appeared ‘repulsive’.

Backlash would be swift and anger would be righteous.

And with that in mind, any anger directed at Megan on account of her remarks is also wholly justified.

Upon hearing of Megan’s assessment, Dancing on Ice pro, Matt Evers, took to Twitter to counter her argument, and put forth his own on the subject.

Hmmmm Megan…. don’t think picking girls up for a living and wearing Lycra is unmanly or cringey. This show is my career and my passion. It’s unfair to criticise this show and the work we are all putting in. There’s nothing unmanly about @dancingonice.

Hmmmm Megan.... don’t think picking girls up for a living and wearing Lycra.... is unmanly or cringey (see second pic). This show is my career and my passion. It’s unfair to criticize this show and the work we are all putting in. There’s nothing unmanly about @dancingonice pic.twitter.com/2ovCZb71wU

— Matt Evers (@TheMattEvers) December 17, 2018

Megan may be entitled to her opinion – as archaic and as sexist as it is – but she’ll need to shoulder the inevitable backlash as easily as she spewed the initial critique.

DailyEdge is on Instagram!