**Christopher Dean Reassures Fans After Jayne Torvill’s On-Ice Fall During Farewell Tour**
British figure skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean found themselves at the centre of concern during their recent live show in Birmingham, after Torvill suffered a sudden fall on the ice. Despite the unexpected mishap, the pair’s professionalism shone through, as Dean addressed the crowd to put everyone at ease and Torvill continued her performance undeterred.
Torvill and Dean are household names in the UK and beyond, famed for their unforgettable routines and a glittering haul of 16 gold medals from World, European, and British championships. Their place in the annals of sporting history was forever cemented by their perfect-scoring Bolero routine at the 1984 Winter Olympics, watched live by over 24 million British viewers. The performance remains an iconic moment in British sport, unrivalled to this day.
Having stepped back from competitive skating in 1998, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean have remained visible figures on television, notably as expert judges on ITV’s Dancing on Ice. Their partnership, spanning more than half a century, has ensured a loyal following and a series of successful post-competitive ventures.
In a statement earlier this year, the duo announced their much-anticipated farewell tour, aptly named *Torvill and Dean: Our Last Dance*. This final series of performances marks the end of their skating partnership on the ice, though both will continue collaborating behind the scenes. “This will be the final time we will skate together following our 50-year partnership,” they announced. “But not without celebrating one final time with all of our incredible fans across the UK, who have supported us constantly over many years.”
After captivating audiences in London, Belfast, Sheffield, and their native Nottingham, the tour arrived in Birmingham at the BP Pulse Live Arena on Sunday, 27 April. Midway through their celebrated routine—once again the Bolero—Jayne Torvill, now 67, lost her footing and fell, drawing a collective gasp from the packed arena.
Undaunted, Torvill displayed remarkable composure and swiftly regained her footing, continuing the performance as if nothing had happened. The professionalism for which the pair are famed was on full display, earning warm applause from the crowd.
Christopher Dean, always the consummate showman, quickly took to the microphone to reassure the audience after the incident. “Thank you so much. As you can see, sometimes it gets scary out here. Scary, scary – for Jayne anyway,” he quipped, earning a ripple of laughter and applause. Dean also expressed gratitude to everyone present: “It has been a terrific show and thank you to my wonderful skaters here and to Jayne. We are really honoured that you spend your time to come out and see us on a Sunday afternoon and share some of our 50-year career highlights. It’s been so memorable and we will always remember today.”
A spokesperson for Torvill and Dean later stated that the fall was caused by a hole in the ice, attributing it to the challenges faced during live performances. Both Torvill and Dean expressed hope that such incidents would not mar the remainder of the tour, aiming for a safe and memorable farewell to their live skating career.
Their influence reaches beyond the touring ice rinks, as highlighted by Christine Lampard, long-standing presenter of Dancing on Ice. She paid tribute to the duo on social media after the programme’s 2025 finale, describing it as “an absolute privilege to work alongside true national treasures Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, and to have a front-row seat to their breathtaking skating.” Her warm words underline the affection with which the pair are regarded by colleagues and fans alike.
As Torvill and Dean continue to tour the country, the immense outpouring of support for them confirms their status not only as sporting legends but as enduring inspirations. While the recent fall was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of live performance, it also served to highlight the poise, resilience, and sense of humour that has defined five decades of their careers.
The skating community, both professional and amateur, will no doubt draw inspiration from their legacy for years to come, as the nation bids a fond farewell to the unforgettable partnership of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.