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Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean took to the ice together for the very last time last night, closing the curtain on a remarkable 40-year partnership that changed the face of ice dancing forever.
The duo, who became household names after their spellbinding gold medal-winning Bolero routine at the 1984 Winter Olympics, performed the final show of their farewell tour in their hometown of Nottingham. In an emotional evening at the city’s Motorpoint Arena, thousands of fans turned out to watch the iconic pair glide across the ice one last time, a perfect full-circle moment in the city where their journey began.
Torvill and Dean first announced plans to retire last year, saying it was time to step back after four decades at the very top of their sport. Throughout their farewell tour, the pair performed to sold-out crowds up and down the country, many eager to witness their magic before it disappeared from the rink for good.
Speaking after the show, Christopher Dean reflected on the final performance with a mix of gratitude and pride.
“The performance went well and the audience were amazing and so, for us, to be able to bow out on a high like that was wonderful,” he said.
He admitted the final Nottingham dates were especially poignant.
“These last four performances here in Nottingham, the early ones were quite emotional and I think I sort of got that out of me, and tonight, it was a high,” he added.
For Jayne Torvill, the end of the tour brings not only pride but also a sense of loss.
“I think we’ll miss it,” she confessed. “When you’ve done all these shows like this, and you’re suddenly home, not doing anything, you miss that adrenaline rush and you miss the excitement of being on the ice, whether it’s a practice session or a performance.”
Over the years, Torvill and Dean have captivated generations of fans with their chemistry, artistry, and athletic brilliance, breaking boundaries in competitive and professional skating. Their Bolero routine in Sarajevo remains one of the most-watched and most-talked-about performances in Olympic history, scoring a perfect set of 6.0s from the judges and securing their place in the hearts of millions.
The Dancing on Ice duo made British sporting history by winning gold at the 1984 Winter Games, skating to Ravel’s Bolero at Sarajevo’s Zetra Olympic Hall (pictured).
While the duo have not announced what comes next for them professionally, both have expressed their commitment to mentoring young skaters and staying involved in the sport in some capacity.
Last night’s final bow, however, marked the end of an era, one that began on a small Nottingham rink and grew into an international phenomenon. The thunderous standing ovation they received in their hometown was a fitting tribute to two of Britain’s greatest sporting legends.
