Sports royalty will soon grace Emmerdale when legendary ice dancers Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean dazzle the ice in exclusive holiday scenes.
The two skated to Maurice Ravel’s Bolero at the 1984 Winter Olympics, where they took home a gold medal and set a record for the highest combined score of any figure skaters for a single programme (6.0 for artistic impression from each judge). Over 24 million people in Britain watched the concert on television.
More recently, as Dancing On Ice has been airing on ITV since 2006, viewers have grown very accustomed to seeing Torvill and Dean. Jayne and Christopher were asked whether they would like to appear on Emmerdale, and in a lovely crossover, Roxy Shahidi (Leyla) from Emmerdale is one of the participants in the upcoming series.
Christopher Dean explained the origins to us. “You should do something in Emmerdale,” I believe it was mentioned by Mark Charnock, who plays Marlon, to all the Emmerdale actors when we were at an ITV party in London. In the presence of another producer, she remarked, “I think we can make that happen.”
The plot they devised involved Belle Dingle (Eden Taylor-Draper) choosing to pop the question to her boyfriend Tom King (James Chase), who also happens to be an enormous admirer of Torvill and Dean.
Tom was taken aback by it all, as it seems that he harbours strong feelings towards Torvill and Dean. That meant that it was a surprise for him as well as a proposal for Belle. Thus, being a part of that is fantastic, added Christopher.
When Torvill and Dean execute their famous Bolero performance, viewers will be mesmerised. It was their first time skating together in eight months when they recorded the Emmerdale scene, and as Jayne said, it was an emotional experience.
“I had surgery, and Chris was working on another show that he choreographed for weeks before he literally flew back a few days ago.” When I was finally permitted to return to the ice, I had skated a few times by myself. It was the first day, then. I was giddy with anticipation. I typically have a stone-heart, yet I shed a little tear! All I wanted was to get back on the rink.
Christopher stated, “This is our first time on ice in a soap opera, though we have appeared in Coronation Street as ourselves before in a non-skating role.”
The two will each have a few lines to say this time. Christopher added, “I think we have something at the Woolpack.” “We’re heading to the Woolpack for a pint later.” We’ll be having a brief conversation there.
When asked if they would be interested in returning to Emmerdale at a later time, the actors eagerly said that they would, perhaps if Belle and Tom choose to keep the ice motif for their nuptials.
“Wonderful concept!” Jayne answered.
Considering that Torvill and Dean were involved in the proposal, they will undoubtedly have to. Christopher continued.
As the official show photographer was present to record Belle’s proposal and the ice dancing pair’s participation, watchers with keen eyes will be able to notice Torvill and Dean pretty frequently in the meantime. These images might end up on Belle’s mantlepiece.
“It seems like we might spend some time in picture frames in the Woolpack and the houses!” Christopher gave his confirmation.
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