Watch Torvill & Dean

Torvill & Dean is a British television drama miniseries that first aired on ITV on Christmas Day in 2018. This series tells the story of two of Britain's most famous ice skaters, Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, who rose to international stardom with their record-breaking performance in the 1984 Winter Olympics.

The first episode of the series begins with a flashback to Torvill and Dean's childhoods, showing us how they both grew up in working-class families in the mining town of Nottingham. From a young age, both Jayne and Christopher displayed a natural talent for skating, and the show follows them as they train and compete together.

Despite having limited resources and facing opposition from their families, Torvill and Dean push towards their dream of becoming champions. The show also explores the relationship between the two skaters, which is at times fraught with tension, but ultimately leads to their success on the ice.

Throughout the series, we see Torvill and Dean's journey from local competitions to international events, including the 1983 European Championships and ultimately the 1984 Winter Olympics. The show does an excellent job of recreating their performances, with impressive choreography and attention to detail. There's a sense of excitement and anticipation as we see the two skaters prepare for their iconic routine to Ravel's Bolero at the Olympics, which ultimately earned them perfect scores.

As well as exploring their sporting achievements, the show also delves into their personal lives, including their struggles with relationships and their decision to keep their friendship strictly professional. There's also a focus on the politics of figure skating, and how judges' biases and favoritism can affect the outcome of competitions.

While the series primarily focuses on the story of Torvill and Dean, it also includes other characters, including their families and their coach, as well as fellow skaters from around the world. The show does an excellent job of presenting the world of figure skating during the 1980s, with attention to fashion, music, and pop culture.

One of the standout performances in the series is Will Tudor, who plays Dean with conviction and charisma, capturing the skater's determination and passion for his sport. Poppy Lee Friar, who plays the young Jayne Torvill, is also excellent, conveying the skater's quiet strength and resilience.

Overall, Torvill & Dean is an excellent miniseries that tells the story of two iconic athletes who captured the world's imagination with their performances on the ice. It's a gripping and engaging drama that showcases the highs and lows of achieving success in a competitive sport while also exploring the personal struggles that come with fame and fortune. The show is beautifully shot, with stunning ice skating sequences that will leave you breathless. It's a must-watch for any sports fan or anyone interested in the world of figure skating.