There were some tear-jerking stories on Dancing on Ice this week but it was a 'hidden' gesture by Jayne Torvill in support of former TOWIE star Joey Essex that has caught the attention of some commentators. The Nottingham ice skating legend admitted she willed Joey and Ice skating pro Vanessa Bauer on during their emotionally charged performance with a sweet gesture.
The show, which aired on Sunday, March 5, saw the popular couple perform two routines and, after finishing second with the judges for the celebs' solo skate, Joey was back on the ice for his 'personal' number, which he dedicated to his late mum.
In the Dancing on Ice VT that played before his performance, Joey explained that his mum had taken her own life when he was just 10 and, the song he'd be skating to in her memory meant a lot as he remembered hearing it in the car while on a family holiday to Marbella after her death. The star added it also struck a chord with Vanessa, as she lost her dad last year.
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Skating to Lighthouse Family hit High, according to Chronicle Live, both Joey and Vanessa were visibly moved as they spoke about the song and reacted to their brilliant score of 38 out of 40. Joey embraced Vanessa in a hug.
Giving his verdict on the performance, Olympian Christopher Dean revealed that long standings skating partner Jayne had squeezed his hand during the performance. Jayne explained that she did so as she willed Joey to successfully complete the most ambitious lift in the routine, telling him: "I squeezed his hand as you were coming up to the big lift. I was like 'please do it, please do it!'"
Jayne was back on the ITV show this week, with her arm still in a sling, after an accident on the rink during rehearsals last week. She had surgery just a few days before the semi final.
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