ITV commission Torvill and Dean drama

24 July 2018

ITV have commissioned a drama about ice skating stars Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's early years.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean

Ackley Bridge's Poppy Lee Friar will take on the role of Torvill, and 'Game of Thrones' star Will Tudor will play Dean in the aptly-named 'Torvill and Dean', which will tell the story of the ice skating professionals' iconic partnership both on and off the ice.

The skating pair said: "We feel very honoured that ITV have commissioned this film based on what was a very significant period in each of our lives.

"We have thoroughly enjoyed the time we have spent with William Ivory and the team at Darlow Smithson sharing experiences of our passion for skating, the life-long friendship that came through our sport and everything that it took to achieve our eventual goal of becoming Olympic champions."

Anita Dobson will play Jayne's first coach, Miss Perry, in the two-hour drama, which will also feature Stephen Tompkinson as Jayne's father George, and Jo Hartley as her mum Betty.

William Ivory - who will pen the script - added: "It's been such a privilege to work on this piece.

"Chris and Jayne are such fascinating characters: sports people and athletes with all the grit and determination that entails, but real artists, too, engaging in deeply felt creative and emotional battles."

Jaime Winstone will play Janet Sawbridge, the ice dancing instructor who pairs Chris and Jayne together for the first time, and Dean Andrews and Christine Bottomley will portray Chris' parents Colin and Mavis.

Polly Hill, ITV's head of drama, said: "Torvill and Dean captures the emotional intensity of Jayne and Chris's relationship from those early years as they endeavoured to create a world renowned ice dancing partnership.

"Their story to success is inspirational and I'm delighted we're telling it on ITV. It's a joy to be working with William Ivory, who is bringing this wonderful story to screen."