Torvill and Dean ‘in talks’ to return to Dancing on Ice following ITV’s decision to bring back the ice-skating favourite

SKATING icons Torvill and Dean are back in talks to return to Dancing on Ice as the show "won't be the same without them."

Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean finished the show in 2014 to mark the 30th anniversary of their Olympic gold win for their Bolero performance.

Performing the dance one last time, they then hung up their skates on the Dancing on Ice rink for good.

But, The Sun exclusively revealed this week that Dancing on Ice was set for a shock TV return.

And, according to , a source said: “Jayne and Chris were a huge part of Dancing On Ice’s original success – it wouldn’t be the same without them.”

The popular ITV show, once the third-highest rated on telly, is thought to be on channel boss Kevin Lygo's hitlist for 2017.

The show, originally hosted by Phillip Schofield, 54, and Holly Willoughby, 36, was axed in 2014 after nine series due to tumbling viewing figures.

But Kevin is now keen to revive the show which became a surprise hit and pulled in 13 million viewers at its peak.

The figure skating reality programme saw celebrities battle it out on the ice under the watchful eye of former Olympic champions.

It is thought it could eventually replace glitzy celebrity talent show Dance Dance Dance, which is fronted by Alesha Dixon, 38, and fills the Sunday night slot on ITV.

A source said: “Kevin always thought ITV axing Dancing on Ice was a mistake so now the idea of bringing it back is being looked at.

“It was a smash hit, and even at its worst was still pulling in more than some of the shows currently on telly - particularly in the Sunday night slot.

“It’s very early days and nothing has been commissioned just yet but it’s definitely on the to-do list.

"A Sunday night slot would make a lot of sense."

Channel boss Lygo - who became ITV's director of television earlier this year - thinks the show was canned prematurely three years ago.

Talking last year, he said: “I think when Dancing On Ice was cut, it was felt, 'oh we need to refresh, it’s gone down a bit in the ratings.

"I watched it, it was the most lovely family show and a really good feeling and distinctive and brilliantly produced, and actually I wish it had gone on a bit longer."

An ITV spokesman declined to comment.

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