Torvill and Dean Reveal the Real Reason Behind Their Retirement as Dancing on Ice Faces Uncertain Future
Figure skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have opened up about their decision to retire after nearly 50 years on the ice, amid growing speculation that ITV’s Dancing on Ice could be coming to an end.
While ITV has yet to confirm the show’s fate, The Mirror reports that Sunday night’s finale might be the last ever, following a noticeable dip in viewership. Once a ratings juggernaut pulling in 12 million viewers, the show’s most recent launch episode attracted just 2.9 million.
Despite no official word from ITV, insiders say budget concerns and declining ratings have put the long-running series in jeopardy.
A Natural End for a Legendary Career
Torvill and Dean — who famously won Olympic gold in 1984 with their iconic Boléro routine — have been skating together since 1975. They recently announced plans to retire this year, marking five decades of performing together.
Speaking on the High Performance podcast, Dean, now 66, said:
“Fifty years is a nice round number. It’s been a long time, and we’re at the point where we can still perform the way we want — but that window is closing. Someone once told me, ‘leave the stage before the stage leaves you.’ I think it’s time.”
Dean also shared his post-retirement plans, saying he hopes to tour around England in a campervan.
Torvill, 67, noted that a lifetime of skating has taken a physical toll, although she and Dean have always maintained their fitness between training periods.
“It’s like riding a bike — once you’re back on the ice, it comes back quickly. But there are aches and pains.”
Future of Dancing on Ice in Doubt
While Torvill and Dean have stepped back from performing, they had expressed hopes of continuing their roles on Dancing on Ice. However, insiders now believe the show may be on its last legs due to costs and viewership challenges.
An unnamed source told The Mirror:
“There are serious concerns this could be the final season. The show has loyal fans, but the numbers just aren’t where they need to be. It’s hard to justify the cost with the ratings this low.”
The show’s production is expensive, with large salaries for the celebrity contestants, hosts Holly Willoughby and Stephen Mulhern, 12 professional skaters, and the judging panel — including Torvill, Dean, Oti Mabuse, and Ashley Banjo. On top of that, ITV must maintain a custom-built ice rink at Bovingdon Airfield in Hertfordshire.
ITV commented:
“The Dancing on Ice team is fully focused on the upcoming series finale. No decision has been made yet.”
Factoring in ITVX streaming numbers, the series has averaged around 3 million viewers.
Who Will Win the Final?
As the finale approaches, Springwatch presenter Michaela Strachan is currently the favorite to win, skating with partner Mark Hanretty. Other finalists include Coronation Street’s Sam Aston, TOWIE star Dan Edgar, and former footballer Anton Ferdinand.