The “final” skating routine of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean on TV had some fans emotional tonight.

Jayne, 67, and Christopher, 66, previously announced plans to retire after having skated together for decades. The pair – who won gold at the Olympics in 1984 for their routine to Maurice Ravel’s Boléro – skated together for the last time on TV for the finale of Dancing on Ice’s latest series, which aired on ITV earlier this evening, ahead of their final tour.

They took to the ice for a performance that was set to Lighthouse Family’s song Lifted. Jayne and Christopher was seen in co-ordinated purple outfits, seemingly in a nod to their costumes for their iconic Boléro routine more than 40 years ago. They were also joined by professional skaters from DOI, who sported the same colour with their outfits.

Viewers saw Jayne and Christopher skate together before briefly standing by the side of the rink as they watched the other pros perform in front of them. The pair joined them moments later to continue the routine, which ended with the two judges being lifted up by colleagues. They later bowed as Stephen Mulhern said: “The legendary Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.” Holly Willoughby added: “Just so good. [The crowd] are all on their feet behind us and quite rightly so. What an amazing moment that was!”

Jayne Torvill (left) and Christopher Dean (right) were seen performing together for the ‘last time on TV’ in tonight’s Dancing On Ice final ( 
Image:
ITV)

The Sun reports that a source has claimed that the routine, choreographed by Jayne and Christopher, was filmed in advance for time reasons. A source told the outlet: “No one in the audience had a clue they were about see such a historic moment.” They added: “It was really emotional to watch and there were plenty of tears in the studio.”

Fans shared their thoughts over the performance on X, with some suggesting that it left them emotional. One person wrote: “Not me getting emotional watching Torvill and Dean’s last ever skate…” Another viewer wrote in a post beside a crying emoji: “Awww Torvill and Dean, end of an era.”

A third fan commented: “How emotional was that last ever dance from Torvill and Dean.” Alongside a teary-eyed emoji, another viewer said: “Torvill & Dean’s final performance was STUNNING.” Sharing their thoughts, someone wrote: “Torvill & Dean’s last ever tv performance! I’m so emotional.”

“It’s the end of an era for Torvill and Dean. I’m not crying you are,” read another post over the routine. Whilst one fan said on the platform tonight: “Torvill and Dean, a very special duo. It’s been an honour to watch you skate together.”

The pair are yet to embark on their final tour, Torvill & Dean: Our Last Dance, which will run from April to July. Speaking to the Mirror prior to DOI’s return, Christopher said: “We’re doing our last tour this year as well so once we’ve finished our last skate on tour, we won’t be performing again.”

Following their routine on DOI, it was announced that Coronation Street star Sam Aston and his skating partner Molly Lanaghan had won the latest series. The actor competed in the final against Michaela Strachan and Anton Ferdinand, who ended up placing second and third respectively.