On March 4, 2025, iconic ice dancing duo Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean made the bittersweet announcement on Good Morning Britain about their final performance on the popular ITV show Dancing on Ice. After decades of captivating audiences, the pair, who are celebrating 50 years of their skating partnership, will bid farewell to their iconic performances during the grand finale on March 9, 2025.
"The final on Sunday will be our last performance on Dancing on Ice. Then we go on tour and they will be our last performances, we end in Nottingham on July 12," said Jayne Torvill, 67, to hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid. The emotional weight of the announcement reflects not just the end of their participation, but also the significant legacy they leave behind.
Christopher Dean, 66, confirmed, "If Dancing on Ice continues, we will just come back as judges, but really it is time for us. It's 50 years of skating together and it takes its toll on the body." His comment highlights the dedication required to maintain their rigorous routine and the impact of age on their performance capabilities. The couple, who first achieved fame with their acclaimed Bolero routine during the 1984 Winter Olympics, acknowledged the changing dynamics of the show without their performances as the backbone.
During the discussion, Christopher reflected on the importance of commitment to health and fitness, stating, "You have to be very disciplined every day, looking after yourself nutrition wise and health wise. I guess we’re ready for a bit of a break." The duo shared their struggles, admitting the physical demands of skating have become increasingly challenging over the years.
Aware of the rumors surrounding the future of Dancing on Ice amid declining ratings, Susanna Reid questioned the duo about the show's viability without their performances. She posed, "Because without you performing, that's a big backbone for Dancing on Ice, isn't it?" This inquiry opened the door to the broader conversation on how the show has evolved since its debut.
Over the years, Dancing on Ice has witnessed significant viewership fluctuations. From 12 million tuning in during its prime to just 2.9 million during this year's launch and down to 2.4 million by the fifth episode, the stakes are high for the upcoming finale. An ITV spokeswoman stated, "The Dancing on Ice team is fully concentrating on the much anticipated series finale this coming Sunday and, as such, no decision has been made." This vague assurance leaves fans on edge about the show's future.
The couple's performance is set against the backdrop of this season's race for the title, where competitors including Anton Ferdinand, Michaela Strachan, and Sam Aston are vying for victory following the elimination of Towie's Dan Edgar. This juxtaposition of celebration and potential farewell heightens the stakes for audiences eager for their final display of talent.
Established in 2006, Dancing on Ice initially captured the hearts of millions for nine seasons before taking a pause in 2014. The show made its return four years later with Torvill and Dean shifting roles from mentors to judges, solidifying their presence within the skating community for audiences.
While the final performance approaches, both Jayne and Chris reflect on their enduring legacy as they prepare for their tour, titled "Our Last Dance," which will conclude where it all began for them — Nottingham. With fans eagerly anticipating their last skates, the skating legends remain humble about their careers. "50 years is a great number to say we've been skating together; I don't think there are many partnerships who can say they've been together for 50 years," Christopher said.
Jayne and Christopher's departure from performing on Dancing on Ice signals the end of an era. Their contributions to the sport, alongside their commitment to entertainment, have left audiences with memories to cherish long after they close this chapter. With both of them focusing on new opportunities and possibly remaining involved with the show as judges, their legacy, now spanning half a century, ensures their names will still resonate within the world of ice dancing.
The grand finale of Dancing on Ice is set to air Sunday, March 9, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. on ITV, creating anticipation not only for the competition but also for the enduring legacy of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who brought magic and mesmerizing performances to the ice.