Dancing On Ice legends Torvill and Dean kept apart for first time in 40 years

Dancing On Ice judges Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will be socially distancing on the 2021 series and be kept apart for the first time in four decades

Dancing On Ice legends Torvill and Dean kept apart for first time in 40 years

They have performed hand-in-hand and cheek to cheek for more than 40 years.

But Christopher Dean and Jayne Torvill are getting used to the “surreal” fact they will not be able to dance – or even touch – when they reunite for the live Dancing on Ice shows on Sunday.

Article continues below

Covid rules mean the 1984 Winter Olympics gold medallists must wear masks or talk with a plastic screen between them.

Olly Murs stops show due to concerns with his voice

Chris, 62, said: “I can’t touch Jayne and dance with her and skate with her.

“We have to have two-metre separation or a screen, and talk through masks off camera. It’s surreal.”

Jayne, 63, added: “I haven’t met Chris in person this year, it will be strange I can’t give him a hug, I will have to keep remembering.”

We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and third parties based on our knowledge of you. More info

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean will be forced apart for the first time in 40 years(Image: ITV)

 

The good news is the pair recorded “two or three” routines together late in 2020 to be added to the shows, so fans will see them showing the celebs how it is done.

They have also cast their eyes over the week-one celebrities.

Of Denise van Outen, Chris says she is “an amazing” entertainer.

“But strap blades to your feet and put yourself on slippy stuff and it’s a whole new ball game.

“You’ve got to learn those basics of skating and I think Denise has found that challenging because she wants to do everything she can on stage yet bring it to the ice.”

Olympic Champion Ice Skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean together

Olympic Champion Ice Skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean together

 

Another star is WAG Rebekah Vardy who accidentally injured her partner Andy Buchanan’s face with a stray skate. Jayne said: “Rebekah’s been showing promise, her skating looks quite strong.

“Andy, he’s been pushing her to do some big lifts and sometimes when you’re upside down, you’re not sure where your foot is.”

Jayne also reckons actor Joe-Warren Plant looks “strong” while Jason Donovan is a perfectionist.

Pictured: Colin Jackson CBE, Denise Van Outen, Graham Bell, Lady Leshurr, Sonny Jay, Faye Brookes, Billie Shepherd, Jason Donovan, Joe-Warren Plant, Myleene Klass, Rebekhah Vardy and Rufus Hound.

The cast of Dancing on Ice 2021. Pictured: Colin Jackson CBE, Denise Van Outen, Graham Bell, Lady Leshurr, Sonny Jay, Faye Brookes, Billie Shepherd, Jason Donovan, Joe-Warren Plant, Myleene Klass, Rebekhah Vardy and Rufus Hound.(Image: ITV)

Could Joe-Warren return to the ice?

It’s down to the final three

Article continues below

138205439169

And Chris says comedian Rufus Hound “brings character to the ice” while rapper Lady Leshurr faces a “real challenge” after a leg injury before Christmas.

Overall Jayne is just “excited” the series is taking place at all.

She said: “Lots of my fri