Dancing on Ice has bid farewell to one of its most iconic duos, as judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean graced the rink for the last time during the series finale on March 9, 2025. Emotions ran high as the legendary pair performed their final routine, marking the end of a remarkable chapter after 50 years of joint performances. Known for their gold medal-winning routine set to Maurice Ravel's Boléro, Torvill and Dean's last televised dance was constructed to the uplifting tune of Lifted by the Lighthouse Family, capturing the hearts of fans once again.
Throughout their illustrious careers, the pair amassed 16 gold medals across World, European, and British Figure Skate Championships, solidifying their status as figure skating royalty. First captivating audiences at the 1984 Winter Olympics, their performance remains engraved in history as one of the most-watched skates, seen by over 24 million people across the UK.
Following the conclusion of Dancing on Ice, fans were treated to the emotional sight of the skaters taking to the ice one last time, donned impeccably coordinated purple outfits reminiscent of those worn during their historic Boléro routine. Viewers were visibly moved, leading many to take to social media expressing their bittersweet feelings. One fan shared, "It's the end of an era for Torvill and Dean. I'm not crying, you are!" Another echoed, "How emotional was their last ever dance?"
The finale was not only significant for its spectacle but also served as a poignant reminder of how far the duo has come. Jayne, 67, and Christopher, 66, engaged with the audience, recounting the joy and excitement they have experienced over their decades-long partnership. Before their performance, Christopher revealed, "It's very emotional. We wanted to include as many of the professionals as we could. We're retiring our skating now, and it's just fitting we are able to do this final performance on Dancing On Ice." Holly Willoughby, the show’s co-host, remarked, "We have a piece of television history for you tonight," underscoring the significance of their final performance.
After captivating the audience with their final routine, the couple received rousing applause and accolades from both judges and fans alike with host Stephen Mulhern declaring them "the legendary Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean." The duo's chemistry and synchrony remained as strong as ever, proving yet again why they have been beloved figures on reality television for these past years.
The night concluded with the announcement of the next Dancing on Ice champion, as Coronation Street's Sam Aston and his partner Molly Lanaghan took home the title, defeating competitors Michaela Strachan and Anton Ferdinand.
Despite stepping back from performances, Torvill and Dean have confirmed plans to continue their legacy through upcoming tour engagements. Their tour, titled Our Last Dance, is set to travel across the UK this April through July, allowing fans one last chance to experience their artistry live and up close.
James Jordan, the former Strictly Come Dancing professional and commentator, weighed in on the retirement of the iconic couple, stating, "Letting go is never easy when performing is all you've ever known. That reaction from the audience, the thrill of being in front of people—it’s a massive part of your life, and when it stops, it can feel like losing a piece of yourself." Jordan also recognized the difficulty of the decision, noting, "I respect their decision completely. I love watching them skate even now, so of course, I'm gutted, but at the same time, I admire them for knowing when the time was right."
The duo's last appearance on Dancing on Ice is not just the end of their televised performances, but also symbolizes the culmination of their remarkable careers—a true celebration of ice dancing excellence. Fans from around the world, moved by the pair's grace, skill, and deep connection, will forever cherish the memories left behind as Torvill and Dean take their final bow on the ice.
With their graceful glide and heartfelt performances now etched forever, audiences are left with the warmth of nostalgia and hope for what the future holds for these giants of ice skating. What remains is the undeniable impact they have made, not only on the sport of figure skating but also on the hearts of millions who have shared their journeys along the way. Their legacy is sure to inspire future generations of skaters yearning to follow in their iconic footsteps, proving once again why they are, without a doubt, one of the most legendary pairs the sport has ever known.