Daniel Whiston

Daniel Whiston

Daniel Whiston would be "surprised" if Torvill and Dean don't reunite in future.

The 'Dancing on Ice' mentors - full names Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean - announced this week they will end their decades-long partnership this year following the ninth and final series of the hit ITV show, and after marking the 30th anniversary of their famous bolero at the 1984 Winter Olympics.

However, 'Dancing on Ice' pro skater Daniel - who has re-teamed with Hayley Tamaddon for the all-stars series - isn't convinced the legendary duo's split will be permanent.

He told BANG Showbiz exclusively: "It's a very personal decision on their behalf. I respect it fully. I think the people will miss them skating together because they are legendary. But never say never ... if they don't step on the ice again together, it would very much surprise me. I think that they'll be back at some point to skate again because people like Jayne and Chris are legends and people will always want to see them skate."

Daniel, 37, grew up a fan of Torvill and Dean and admits he often has to "pinch" himself when around the pair.

He enthused: "Working with Jayne and Chris, they're kind of like the David Beckham to work with as a football fan. I've looked up to them for a long time; from a little boy, watching what they do, so that whole bolero was absolute history-making."

The skating star has been with 'Dancing on Ice' since it first launched in 2006 and has won the series three times.

With the show's impending curtain call, Daniel believes there should be another ice skating-themed show to take its place.

He said: "'Dancing on Ice' has absolutely put skating back on the map again. It's filled ice rinks right across the UK. People are skating because of 'Dancing on Ice', it's generated so much interest - and it's not just kids, it's mums, dads, grandmas, granddads. People go, 'If Todd Carty can do it, I can do it.' I think it would be a really positive thing if something did stay on the TV which involves skating. It would be brilliant for our next generation."

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