ITV Commissions New Drama About Torvill And Dean

ITV has commissioned a brand new one-off drama film on the life of world-famous ice skaters Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean.

'Torvill and Dean' will explore the pair's early years and what drove them to become a huge name in ice skating.

The two-hour film is written by William Ivory ('Made in Dagenham', 'Burton and Taylor', 'Common as Muck').
 
Will Tudor ('Game of Thrones', 'Shadowhunters', 'Mr Selfridge') will assume the role of Christopher Dean, and Poppy Lee Friar ('Ackley Bridge', 'Eve', 'In the Club') will play Jayne Torvill. 

The supporting cast includes Anita Dobson ('The Rebel', 'Call the Midwife', 'EastEnders') as Jayne's first coach, Stephen Tompkinson ('The Split', 'Trollied', 'DCI Banks') as Jayne's father George, and Jo Hartley ('Bliss', 'Access All Areas', 'This Is England '90') as her mum Betty.
 
Other cast members include Dean Andrews ('The Moorside', 'Last Tango in Halifax', 'Silent Witness') and Christine Bottomley ('Fearless', 'In the Club', 'Cucumber') as Chris's parents, Colin and Mavis, and Jaime Winstone ('Babs', 'Ellen', 'After Hours') as Janet Sawbridge, the ice dancing instructor who pairs Chris and Jayne together for the first time.
 
The drama will be produced by television production company, Darlow Smithson.

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean 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."
 
ITV's Head of Drama Polly Hill added: "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."

Torvill and Dean will be produced for ITV and Darlow Smithson by Emma Burge ('Shameless', 'The Village', 'Coming Up') and executive produced by the company's Joint Managing Director and Creative Director, Emily Dalton ('Dave Allen at Peace', 'We're Doomed! The Dad's Army Story', 'The Mill') together with writer William Ivory.

Northern Ireland Screen are co-production partners with Darlow Smithson on Torvill and Dean. International distribution will be handled by Endemol Shine International.
 
Torvill and Dean will be directed by Gillies MacKinnon ('Hideous Kinky', 'Small Faces') and filming is due to commence later this month.