ITV Dancing On Ice's Christopher Dean 'blocks out' memories from tragic family heartbreak

Dancing On Ice judge Christopher Dean has candidly spoken about his family heartbreak which he has “blocked out” from his childhood.

The former professional skater, 65, is easily one of the most recognisable faces when it comes to the ice rink, having won gold and bronze medals at the Olympics alongside his skating partner Jayne Torvill.

He has certainly made a name for himself in the sport and now shares his expertise on the judging panel of ITV’s Dancing On Ice, which returned earlier this year.

But before stardom, Christopher had a difficult childhood as he faced a family heartbreak when he was young, which still affects him today.

Christopher Dean is a judge on Dancing On Ice alongside his former skate partner Jayne Torvill
(Image: Jonathan Hordle/REX/Shutterstock)

The former Olympian has openly spoken about his father’s affair and the time his mother heartbreakingly left their family home in Nottingham.

In an article for Mail Online, Christopher explained how his parents took him to see some of their friends one day, sharing: “Or at least I always thought they were friends.”

He continued: “When we arrived at their house I was told to sit down in the living room. Soon after, I remember an almighty row ensuing. All four of them seemed to be shouting across the room at each other and I was sitting in the middle. Even at six years old I understood what had been going on.”

The former ice skater with his partner Karen Barber
(Image: David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images)

Christopher then explained how his father, Colin, had been having an affair and shortly after his mother, Mavis, told him she was leaving.

“I asked her why but she just deflected the question. Then I started to cry. I pleaded with her not to go but she didn’t say a thing. No answer. I remember holding her hand as we walked home, still crying and pleading with her not to go.”

He added: “Losing my mum and being an only child definitely went some way to making me who I am today.”

In an episode of ITV’s DNA Journeys, which aired back in 2022, the pro skater returned to his family home and offered an insight into that time of his childhood which he said he had “blocked out”.