When is ITV’s new ‘Torvill and Dean’ drama on this Christmas?

ITV has confirmed when Torvill and Dean will be broadcast.

Starring Poppy Lee Friar (In the Club) and Will Tudor (Mr Selfridge) as Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean, the two-hour drama will explore the British ice dancers’ early years.

The British, European, Olympic and World champions won gold at the 1984 Winter Olympics in Sarajevo and became the highest scoring figure skaters of all time.

Torvill and Dean will air at 9.15pm on Tuesday 25th December on ITV in the UK.

It will then be available to watch online on the ITV Hub for one month.

Watch the trailer:

The TV movie is written by William Ivory (Made in Dagenham, Burton and Taylor).

The cast also includes Anita Dobson (EastEnders) as Jayne’s first coach Miss Perry.

Stephen Tompkinson (DCI Banks) and Jo Hartley (This Is England ’90) are playing Jayne’s parents, with Dean Andrews (Last Tango in Halifax) and Christine Bottomley (In the Club) as Chris’s parents.

The official synopsis for Torvill and Dean reads: “The Nottingham-based biopic opens in 1968, showing Jayne and Chris as children in their respective family homes.

“Exploring how the pair were individually introduced to ice skating, Jayne’s first experience on the ice is during a school trip where she immediately shows potential and is taken under the wing of trainer Miss Perry. Meanwhile, following his parents’ separation, Chris is given a pair of skates by his new stepmother, Betty, which encourages him to try out the sport.

“As the years progress, ice skating becomes a big part of both of their lives. Jayne continues to train with Miss Perry, whilst Chris uses the ice as an escape from his complicated family life. Sensing that Jayne needs a partner to allow her more expression, Miss Perry introduces her to Andrew who she starts to train with, whilst Chris begins a partnership with fellow skater, Leanne.

“However, creative differences within both partnerships eventually lead to their breakdown, and it isn’t long before Chris’ trainer, Janet Sawbridge, puts Jayne and Chris together.

“Despite being unsure at first, the duo blossom together and they’re soon excelling at a competitive level. With both having full-time jobs and commitments beyond the rink though, they must work hard to achieve their dreams.”