To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video. Up Next. Dancing On Ice judge Christopher Dean became incredibly emotional tonight as he remembered those who died in the passenger plane and Army helicopter crash. The latest episode of ITV’s skating show began on a lively note, as the remaining celebrities were welcomed onto the ice by rapturous applause from the studio audience.

Rowing legend Sir Steve Redgrave was the first to perform, after which things took a sombre turn as host Holly Willoughby asked Dean to say a few words. The Olympic medalist grew tearful as he spoke about the ice skaters who were killed in the Washington DC air collision. On January 29, 67 people lost their lives in the tragedy. All 64 passengers aboard the American Airlines jet died, as well as three on the Black Hawk helicopter.

Addressing the incident, Willoughby began: ‘Before we move on, we were all absolutely horrified by the tragic plane crash in Washington last week. ‘Among the passengers were several members of the skating community, and 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.’.

Gesturing to his ice partner, Jayne Torvill, who also looked upset, he continued: ‘Certainly we and all at Dancing On Ice want to send our sincere condolences to all the family and friends of the loved ones that they lost that day.’. Stuttering and placing a hand on his chest, the athlete and TV judge concluded: ‘We’re all- our thoughts are with them right now.’. ‘I can tell how choked you are with this,’ Willoughby chimed in. ‘We all feel exactly the same way; that was very nicely said, thank you.’.

‘On behalf of everyone here, our thoughts are absolutely with the friends and family of all of those involved,’ added the host. Following the tribute, viewers took to X to praise the show for how it handled the sensitive matter. ‘That so sad. @torvillanddean. My heart breaks for the skating community and the families [sic]’, wrote DebbieBlackma14. ‘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’, wrote AmyJoanne__.

Praising Dean, Survivinthe20s added: ‘Well said, that plane crash has devastated the junior US skating team. So many young future professional skaters lost.’. It has been confirmed that six members of the Skating Club of Boston, including two teenagers, two coaches, and two parents, died in the horror crash. Doug Zeghibe, executive director of the club in Massachusetts, named them as 16-year-old Spencer Lane and 13-year-old Jinna Han, along with their mothers Christine Lane and Jin Han, respectively.

Distraught, he said of the budding stars: ‘Spencer, in the best way possible, was a crazy kid. Highly talented, has not been skating that long, and has been rocketing to the top of the sport. Very fun, very cerebral. ‘Jinna, just a wonderful kid. A great athlete, great competitor. Loved by all.’. He praised their parents for being ‘dedicated’ and always making ‘sacrifices’ for their children to follow their dreams.

Also just 16 years old, ice skater Cory Haynos of Virginia died in the crash. Just hours before, he landed one of the sport’s most difficult moves, a triple axel, for the second time in his career as he performed on Wednesday. Speaking after the great loss, US figure skating coach Mark Mitchell told The Times: ‘He was so happy, just so happy.’. Haynos’ parents, Roger and Stephanie Haynos, died in the collision too.

Other victims included Brielle Beyer, a juvenile-level figure skater who belonged to the Skating Club of Northern Virginia. She and her mother, Justyna, died just days after the aspiring ice champion turned 12. What I Own: I quit London at 48 and bought my first home in Sussex for £325,000. London's cheapest place to rent revealed — but it might not be for long. Londoners are flocking to this ‘bustling’ neighbourhood 10 miles from the centre.

If you live at this house number, your property could be 'cursed'. What I Own: I bought my £820,000 Nine Elms flat through a little-known saving scheme. Dancing On Ice airs Sundays on ITV1 and ITVX. Got a story?. If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.