February 2nd 2025.
Christopher Dean was visibly emotional as he spoke about the tragic plane crash that occurred recently. The Dancing On Ice judge paid tribute to those who lost their lives in the passenger plane and Army helicopter collision. The episode started off on a high note, with the remaining celebrities receiving a warm welcome from the studio audience. Rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave was the first to perform, but the mood quickly turned somber when host Holly Willoughby asked Dean to share a few words.
The Olympic medalist was moved to tears as he spoke about the ice skaters who were among the victims of the Washington DC air collision that claimed the lives of 67 people. As Willoughby addressed the incident, she expressed the show's shock and sadness over the tragedy. She then turned to Dean, saying, "Chris, we just wanted to speak to you about this because it's just unbelievably sad." The Bolero performer replied, "Unbelievably sad, yes. 17 members of the skating community lost their lives and it's felt all around the world."
Dean and his skating partner, Jayne Torvill, also took a moment to pay their respects to the victims. He shared that several members of the skating community were among the passengers who tragically lost their lives in the collision. Willoughby and the rest of the Dancing On Ice team conveyed their sincere condolences to the family and friends of the victims. The host then turned to the audience, saying, "On behalf of everyone here, our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and family of all of those involved."
Viewers watching the show were also moved by the tribute to the crash victims and took to social media to express their emotions. One viewer tweeted, "That's so sad. My heart breaks for the skating community and the families." Another wrote, "I'm glad they had a little tribute to the plane crash victims. It may have only been small but the smallest thing can mean the most." Many praised Dean for his heartfelt words, with one viewer saying, "Well said, that plane crash has devastated the junior US skating team. So many young future professional skaters lost."
It was later confirmed that six members of the Skating Club of Boston, including two teenagers, two coaches, and two parents, were among the victims of the crash. The club's executive director, Doug Zeghibe, paid tribute to the young skaters and their parents, saying, "Spencer, in the best way possible, was a crazy kid...Jinna, just a wonderful kid. A great athlete, great competitor. Loved by all." He also praised their parents for their dedication and sacrifices in supporting their children's dreams.
Other victims included a Russian figure skating couple, Evgenia Shishkova and Vadim Naumov, who won the 1994 world pairs title. The Skating Club of Boston coaches, Vadim Naumov and Evgenia Shishkova, were also among those who lost their lives. Just 16 years old, ice skater Cory Haynos of Virginia died in the crash, just hours after successfully landing a difficult move in his performance. US figure skating coach Mark Mitchell spoke of Haynos' happiness before the tragic incident, saying, "He was so happy, just so happy."
The show went on to pay tribute to the other victims, including Brielle Beyer, a juvenile-level figure skater, and her mother Justyna, who died just days after Brielle's 12th birthday. Dancing On Ice aired their tribute on Sunday on ITV1 and ITVX.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
