Skater says his stunning lift sequence with Winter Olympics legend was a lifelong goal
Dancing On Ice star Mark Hanretty gets to achieve a lifetime’s ambition tonight – getting to lift Olympic champion Jayne Torvill in the air.
The show’s choreographer has been busy rehearsing for tonight’s live TV final, where Torvill and Dean will make their return to the ice after a break of five years.
Mark, who partnered TV presenter Donna Air in the new series, admits dancing with the pair and performing a stunning lift sequence with Jane has been his highlight.
The two - t ime B r i t i s h b r on z e medallist said: “The nation has been really keen for Jayne and Chris to take to the ice so tonight is going to be extra- special for the viewers.
“It ’ s been br i l l iant spending t ime with them on the ice as they choreographed al l the showcase pieces.
“I also had the pleasure of lifting Jane into the air – something as a young skater I never dreamed I would do. It’s such an honour.”
It’s even more special for Mark, 32, as five years ago on Dancing On Ice he feared his professional career was over after a serious shoulder injury.
Fans of the show recoiled in horror as they watched him dislocate his shoulder live on air during a routine with Labour peer Oona King.
Mark admits he had to draw on all his courage to overcome the painful memories of his last appearance in 2014. He said: “I am delighted to have avoided injuries during this is disappointed not to be in the f inal, which will see singer Jake Quickenden, Corrie actress Brooke Vincent and former Glasgow Warriors and Scotland rugby star Max Evans battle it out for top spot.
The dad of two, who wi l l be reunited with Donna in tonight’s show, said: “It’s the furthest I’ve ever got in the show and I’m so proud of Donna. I only made it to week three with Oona and week six with the lovely Rosemary Conley. My dream is to happy to make it through the first couple of weeks and then, when she didn’t do too badly, she started pushing herself. “I think she could have gone even further but fear of getting injured started getting in her way. “It’s nice to meet and be with people you would never usually come into contact with in your everyday life. “Donna and I live in completely different worlds, as I saw when I went out with her and her friends in London. “I am looking forwforward to skating with her on the DancingDanc On Ice tour, which startsst right after the show.” Mark,M who is marriedma to skating instructorinst Kathy, 39, added: “I ’m hopinghopin I will be asked back to do the 2019 series.series “My ideal partner would be one of the Strictly pro dancers like FlaFlavia Cacace. I think shes would be awesome on the ice.” Mark, who is dad to Lukasz, four,f and Liola, one, has bbeen impressed with the jujudging panel. He addedadded: “I thought they did a good jojob. I can’t be too mad at Jason Gardiner as he has been complimentarycom of my choreography.choreograp I respect him. “Ashley BanjoBan took a while to settle in butbu he did a good job. He’s incrediblyincred talented. “Being judged by Torvill and Dean was much mmore scary than facing Jason, especiallyesp for the pro skaters, as wew all hold them in such high regard. “The final is a three-horse race – anyone can win.”