Uncategorized – Page 2

Skating, clapping, & laughter

Despite my parents throwing my last pair of skates in a skip while I was at university it took 1 week of lockdown for me to come to the conclusion that I needed a pair to get through this. And while my Instagram is full of inspirational figure skaters axelling away on off-ice skates IContinue reading “Skating, clapping, & laughter”

After the Final: what now?

“What you gonna do when Dancing on Ice finishes?” asked a colleague last Friday as I prattled on once more about how desperate I was to see Joe Swash and Alex Murphy skate Bolero. Not realising at the time what a visual treat they had in store with their Chaplin-inspired routine, reminiscent in places ofContinue reading “After the Final: what now?”

From Golden Glory to Hellish Horrors

On Tuesday February 14th 1984, Zetra Olympic Hall in Sarajevo was the setting of Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean’s monumental Olympic triumph cheered on by 8500 spectators in the hall, and millions across the globe. The ultramodern, copper-roofed complex, designed by architects Lidumil Alikalfic and Dušan Đapa was officially opened by then President of theContinue reading “From Golden Glory to Hellish Horrors”

A wife’s perspective:“Please be kind, especially to my family”.

I also spoke about this on BBC World Service (skip to 9.44) https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/w172wrw0rb90mhw It’s this line from Philip Schofield’s statement to the press, which hit me like a battering ram to the gut. For in 2017, I myself was faced with the revelation that my husband of 8 years was in fact gay. Usually whenContinue reading “A wife’s perspective:“Please be kind, especially to my family”.”

DOI: Breaking the rules

For those familiar with the world of ice dance only via Dancing On Ice it may come as something of a surprise to learn that much of that which makes the show so magical would not only be frowned on in competitive skating but incur major deductions. Indeed such are the often baffling rules enforcedContinue reading “DOI: Breaking the rules”

H and Matt: Why this evangelical Christian sees no cause for offence

Since it was first announced that Steps singer Ian ‘H’ Watkins had been paired with professional ice dancer Matt Evers there’s been an array of reactions. Ranging from those hailing it as a triumph for the LGBTQ+ community to those dismissing it as nothing more than a publicity stunt with the potential to damage impressionableContinue reading “H and Matt: Why this evangelical Christian sees no cause for offence”

DOI Soapstar Maths

It seems that Dancing on Ice bookers love the soaps as much as the British public. To date fifteen Corrie stars have swapped the cobbles for the ice, ten Eastenders the square for the rink, an impressive nine Hollyoaks for headbangers, five Emmerdale residents wellies for skates, three have made the journey from down underContinue reading “DOI Soapstar Maths”

Lisa’s journey; Unfair advantage or facing her demons?

This is the first post in a series discussing each of this year’s Dancing on Ice Contestants. First up, Lisa George. Much has been made in some quarters of Coronation Street actress and current DOI contestant Lisa George’s alleged advantage from having competed in a handful of skating competitions as a 9 year old.Continue reading “Lisa’s journey; Unfair advantage or facing her demons?”

Sorry Caprice you need tough love

26 years ago the BBC as part of the documentary series Horizon broadcast ‘Facing the Music: The Return of Torvill and Dean’. The film followed Jayne and Chris’ return to competitive skating as they prepared to take part in the 1994 Lillehammer winter Olympics hoping to scoop a second gold medal. Despite hours of footageContinue reading “Sorry Caprice you need tough love”