Britain's most celebrated ice dancing duo, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, are reportedly set to be honoured with a damehood and a knighthood in the King's forthcoming New Year Honours list. This recognition comes after a monumental 50-year partnership that captivated the nation, culminating in their decision to retire from professional skating earlier this year.
A Lifetime of Achievement on Ice
The pair, now aged 68 and 67 respectively, first shot to global fame by winning Olympic gold at the 1984 Winter Games in Sarajevo with their iconic Bolero routine. Their success was previously recognised with an MBE in 1981 and an OBE in 2000. According to reports, this latest honour follows years of public campaigning, including a petition which was rejected as recently as 2023.
After their competitive career, Torvill and Dean found a new generation of fans as judges and mentors on ITV's hit show Dancing on Ice. Their final performance together took place in their hometown of Nottingham earlier this year, marking the end of their farewell tour, Torvill And Dean: Our Last Dance.
The Unique Bond That Fuelled Success
Throughout their five-decade partnership, speculation has often swirled about the nature of their close relationship. Both have consistently addressed the curiosity from fans and media alike.
While their on-ice chemistry is undeniable, featuring intimate choreography, they have always maintained their bond is a deep, platonic friendship. Both are in committed relationships off the ice; Jayne has been married to Phil Christiansen since 1990, and Christopher has been in a relationship with fellow skater Karen Barber since 2011.
In a 2024 interview, Christopher Dean revealed that while they "crossed the line" briefly as teenagers, they quickly decided to prioritise their professional partnership. "We just eventually got into that place where we knew that we were the best of friends," he stated, crediting that mutual respect for their longevity.
A Fitting Finale to an Illustrious Career
The reported damehood and knighthood serve as a crowning achievement for a duo who have become national treasures. Their journey from Olympic champions to television stars has kept them in the public eye for generations.
Their legacy was poignantly celebrated during a return to Sarajevo in 2024 to mark the 40th anniversary of their gold medal win, where they performed Bolero once more. Now, as they hang up their skates for the final time, this royal honour appears to be the perfect finale to a record-breaking partnership that has brought immense pride and joy to the United Kingdom.
