The ice came alive once again in 2024 as figure skating legends Jayne Torvill, 66, and Christopher Dean, 65, made their triumphant return to the rink in a dazzling performance that brought both nostalgia and awe. Their highly anticipated comeback kicked off the latest series of Dancing on Ice with the kind of elegance and chemistry that only decades of partnership can bring — reminding viewers across generations why they remain the gold standard of ice dance.

Grace Never Ages

Taking to the ice with their trademark poise, Torvill and Dean were a vision of timeless artistry. Chris wore a crisp pink suit, a bold and stylish choice that paired perfectly with Jayne’s flowing turquoise costume, which shimmered under the studio lights like frost catching morning sun. Together, they moved in perfect sync to Jason Mraz’s upbeat and playful “I Feel Like Dancing,” gliding effortlessly through a routine that blended cheeky choreography with classic technical brilliance.

From the first step onto the ice to the final pose, the performance was met with roaring applause — not just from the live studio audience, but from millions watching at home. Social media exploded with admiration, with fans calling the routine “pure joy,” “breathtaking,” and “the perfect way to launch the season.”

One viewer summed it up best:

“No one does it like Torvill and Dean. They don’t just skate — they tell stories on ice.”

Drama on the Ice: The First Dance-Off

While Torvill and Dean reminded everyone of skating’s artistry, the competition itself wasted no time heating up. The night ended with a tense and emotional dance-off between two very different personalities: boxing icon Ricky Hatton and eccentric comedian Lou Sanders. Though both brought determination to the rink, Hatton ultimately lost his spot in the competition.

Ricky’s journey had been a crowd favorite from the start. The former world champion entered the contest with heart and humor, determined to embrace the unfamiliar world of performance and sequins. Though his routines lacked technical finesse, audiences warmed to his effort and vulnerability.

But in the end, it was Lou Sanders who skated through — not without her own challenges, but with a quirky, unpredictable charm that made her hard to look away from. Her victory in the skate-off was a narrow one, and it came with tears and hugs, even from Ricky, who handled his exit with trademark grace and sportsmanship.

“I’ve had a blast,” Hatton said in his farewell interview. “I’ve never worn so much glitter, or smiled so much while falling on my backside. I’ll miss it.”

The High-Flying Champion: Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards

While the elimination grabbed headlines, it was another sports legend who stole the show with a surprisingly sublime performance. Eddie ‘The Eagle’ Edwards, Britain’s most beloved underdog ski jumper, proved he’s not just about soaring through the air — he can glide, twist, and spin with style too.

Partnered with pro skater Vicky Ogden, Eddie delivered a confident, well-paced routine that wowed both judges and viewers. His performance showed a new side of the underdog hero — polished, balanced, and yes, surprisingly graceful.

Head judge Christopher Dean praised Eddie’s “clear progress and commitment,” while fellow panelist Oti Mabuse said, “I expected heart, but I didn’t expect polish. You really earned your place tonight.”

By the end of the night, Eddie and Vicky found themselves at the top of the leaderboard — a surprise that delighted fans and added an early twist to the season’s storyline.

A Season Full of Promise

With only one episode in the books, Dancing on Ice 2024 already feels like it’s setting up to be a spectacular season. The mix of newcomers, surprise standouts, and returning icons is hitting all the right notes. Torvill and Dean’s opening number set an elegant tone, and with Eddie Edwards now the skater to beat, all eyes are on the rest of the pack.

There’s buzz around soap stars, athletes, and musicians set to skate in the coming weeks, and rumors are swirling about a surprise mid-season twist. But if this first episode proved anything, it’s that Dancing on Ice still knows how to bring drama, emotion, and magic to our screens.

For now, fans are still replaying Torvill and Dean’s routine, marveling at how two legends can glide across the ice with the same chemistry and class they had decades ago. Whether you’re watching for the stars, the spills, or the sparkle, one thing’s clear: this season has officially begun — and it’s already unforgettable.