Smallscreen News

Dancing On Ice to feature Olympics special

Feb 8, 2012, 11:01 GMT

Katarina Witt

'Dancing On Ice' judge Katarina Witt is to skate for the first time in four years as part of an Olympics special.

In order to commemorate this summer's 2012 London Games, the German gold medal winner will join fellow Olympic champions Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean - who are mentors on the ITV1 show - as well as co-panellist Robin Cousins, on the ice.

While Katarina bagged a ladies' single gold in the 1984 winter games, rivals Torvill and Dean took home the top prize in the ice dance category for their legendary Bolero performance, while Robin won gold in the men's singles four years earlier.

A 'Dancing On Ice' insider told The Sun newspaper: 'It sounds like a no-brainer, getting all four to dance, but it wasn't easy. Jayne and Chris are billed as the show legends so asking their rival Olympic medallist to perform on the same bill was tricky.

'It will be great for Katarina to skate as she hasn't really been on the ice since 2008. Robin is also nervous as he hasn't been on the ice for years either.'

Show bosses are said to be thrilled that all four skating stars have agreed to perform in the one-off show, as it is hoped the occasion will boost viewing figures - which have recently dropped to around the seven million mark - back up to their 10 million prime.

The source added: 'Luckily they have agreed, so we've got a belter of a show lined up. Jayne and Chris are spearheading the routine that is likely to see them all dance together.'