Torvill and screen
New film to tell inside story of Olympic ice dancing legends
A NEW movie is set to explore the personal and professional lives of ice dancing icons Torvill and Dean.
The two-hour ITV film, Torvill and Dean: The Movie, will reveal the inside story of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s relationship both on and off the ice. The film will address the persistent rumours of romance between the Olympic heroes, who are both in long-standing relationships with other partners. Game of Thrones actor Will Tudor, 31, will portray Dean, and Ackley Bridge star Poppy Lee Friar, 23, will play Torvill. The film will follow the Dancing on Ice stars from their beginnings in Nottingham to their gold medal turn at the 1984 Olympics.
Penned by Made In Dagenham writer William Ivory, it also stars Anita Dobson and Stephen Tompkinson.
William interviewed the duo extensively prior to shooting, which begins later this month. Torvill, 60, and Dean, 59, said they are “honoured” by the film.
They said they are happy to share their “passion for skating, the lifelong friendship that came through our sport, and everything that it took to achieve our eventual goal of becoming Olympic champions.” ITV say the film will “explore how Chris and Jayne clashed” as they developed their legendary, medal-winning routines. Writer William said: “Chris and Jayne are fascinating. Athletes with all the grit and determination that entails, but real artists, too, engaging in deeply felt creative and emotional battles.” Executive producer Emily Dalton said: “They are iconic but also enigmatic. We’ve all speculated about their relationship off the ice. Viewers will be moved and surprised by [their] heartbreaking and backbreaking journey.”