Nottingham ice skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean take their place on the Dancing on Ice judging panel each week to give their expert views on celeb and professional skaters' performances. But how much do you know about the champion couple?
Local heroes, the names Torvill and Dean were on everyone's lips in the 80s. Their stunning costumes and breathtaking routine performed to Ravel's Bolero took the world by storm in the winter of 1984 and won them an Olympic gold medal in Sarajevo. Twelve perfect 6s and six 5.9s from the judges - including a sweep of perfect scores for artistic impression - sealed their success at the games.
If you are loving their current performance in their latest roles as judges themselves, then read on for everything you need to know about the sporting legends including their ages, where they are from and what they've achieved.
How old are Torvill and Dean
Jayne was born October 7, 1957, making her 65-years-old. Skating partner Christopher was born July 27, 1958, making him 64 now and 65 in July 2023.
Where are Torvill and Dean from
Torvill and Dean are two of Nottingham's sporting heroes. Jayne was born in Clifton, Nottingham. Other famous faces from this part of Nottingham include musician Jake Bugg and actress and director, Samantha Morton.
Christopher also has Nottingham links. He grew up in the Nottinghamshire village of Calverton.
Are Torvill and Dean married
Despite much fan and press speculation about a romantic partnership, they have remained a strictly professional partnership.
How old were Torvill and Dean when they started skating together
Torvill and Dean were "already accomplished" figure skaters before teaming up, according to Britannica, which says: "Torvill was the British junior pairs champion, Dean the British junior ice dance champion." Both skated with other partners but teamed up in 1975.
Amazingly, the skating stars built their partnership into a formidable dance team while working full-time. However, in 1978, they became British national champions and financial sponsorship from Nottingham City Council allowed them to give up their jobs and focus on skating.
Christopher Dean's surprising former career
Before dazzling skating fans with his dazzling routines, Christopher was a Nottingham police constable.
What did Jayne Torvill do before she was a sporting legend
Before taking to the ice full-time, Jayne was an insurance clerk.
What else have Torvill and Dean won
Nottinghamshire fans followed the pair well before their success at the Olympics. Prior to their gold medal win at the Winter Olympics in 1984, they had won four consecutive world championships, performing an always much anticipated routine that constantly changed in style.
In 1982, the pair performed a ground-breaking routine to 'Mack and Mabel' to win the European Figure Skating Championships.
After the 1984 Olympics the pair changed their status to professional and went on to win five professional championships.
Torvill and Dean now
Jayne and Christopher were back in the limelight from January 15 as they re-joined Dancing on Ice for the 2023 series.
With season 15 now well underway, here are celebrities and their professional skater partners appearing the in the series:
- Patsy Palmer and Matt Evers
- Ekin-Su Cülcüloğlu and Brendyn Hatfield
- Carley Stenson and Mark Hanretty
- Michelle Heaton and Lukasz Rozycki
- Siva Kaneswaran and Klabera Komini
- Joey Essex and Vanessa Bauer
- Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart
- John Fashanu and Alexandra Schauman
- Mollie Gallagher and Sylvain Longchambon
- The Vivienne and Colin Grafton
- Darren Harriott and Tippy Packard
Judges include Jayne, Christopher, Ashley Banjoy and Oti Mabuse. The show is hosted by Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield.
You can watch Dancing on Ice 2023 on ITV and ITVX.
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