Team GB's ice dance duo, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson, have captured attention by recreating Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean's legendary Boléro routine, a move that underscores their aspirations to make history at the upcoming Winter Olympics. This tribute, shared on Instagram last Halloween, saw them don the original costumes from the 1984 Sarajevo Games, now slightly faded, as they struck iconic poses from that unforgettable performance.
A Homage to Icons
Gibson, who began skating at age 11 after watching Dancing on Ice, explains the inspiration behind the recreation. "We love to do something iconic every Halloween," he says. "This year, we thought dressing up as Torvill and Dean would be perfect. We approached them for permission, and they allowed us to use the costumes, which was unbelievable." Fear, five years younger at 26, adds that the costumes were transported from the National Ice Centre in Nottingham to their training base in Canada, a 3,000-mile journey handled with care to avoid damage.
Challenges and Humour in Recreation
Recreating the poses proved more difficult than anticipated. "It was harder than it looked," Fear admits. "The angles and headlights were tricky. My wig was a child's size, so it was tight and didn't look great—Jayne definitely wore it better. But Lewis looked fabulous with blond flow; maybe that's in his future?" Despite the humorous mishaps, the pair deeply admire Torvill and Dean's original work. Gibson reflects, "We appreciate the creativity and strength it took to create something so unusual. It really changed the sport." Fear agrees, noting its timeless appeal.
From Mentorship to Medal Contention
Fear and Gibson's connection to Torvill and Dean runs deeper than costumes. Early in their career, they received guidance from the skating legends. "We were lucky to work with them right at the start," Gibson recalls. "It was special, even though we were terrible back then." Fear laughs, "I think they wondered if we could hold the torch, but they always had faith in us." This mentorship has fueled their progress, with the duo steadily improving since a 10th-place finish at the Beijing Olympics four years ago.
Olympic Prospects and Preparation
Recent performances position Fear and Gibson as strong contenders for a medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. They secured bronze at the European championships in Sheffield this month and matched that result at last year's world championships and the ISU grand prix. While world champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the US are favourites, and European champions Laurence Fournier Beaudry and Guillaume Cizeron of France are second, the bronze medal could be a tight race involving the British pair, Italy's Charlène Guignard and Marco Fabbri, and Canada's Paul Poirier and Piper Gilles.
Fear addresses the pressure of being podium contenders. "We know that's the narrative, and it's our goal," she says. "But we're treating it as the next competition. If we make it bigger, it could hurt our performance." She adds, "We always have big goals, and this one's special. We're really ready."
Embracing Scottish and Pop Influences
In contrast to Torvill and Dean's French-inspired Boléro, Fear and Gibson's routines draw from British culture. Their rhythm dance features a Spice Girls medley, while their free dance incorporates Scottish themes with songs like The Bonnie Banks o' Loch Lomond and the Proclaimers' I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles). This blend reflects their identity and adds a unique flair to their performances.
Mindset and Motivation
As they prepare for the Olympic stage, Fear and Gibson focus on enjoyment and presence. "It's now or never," Fear states. "It's thrilling and stressful, but let's go." Gibson echoes this, saying, "We live for that moment. I'd be disappointed watching from home, so we embrace it." They also heed Torvill and Dean's advice: "They always say, 'Enjoy it,'" Fear notes. "It's simple but crucial when we feel nervous or pressured. We're living our dream, so let's make the most of it."
With their tribute to skating history and steady rise in the sport, Fear and Gibson are poised to potentially end Britain's 32-year Winter Olympic medal wait in figure skating, carrying forward the legacy of their idols with confidence and style.
