Eamonn Holmes hosts lunch in honour of the iconic Olympic-winning Ice Dancers.

On Thursday 7th January Variety, the Children’s Charity, hosted The Torvill and Dean Tribute Lunch in honour of the iconic British Ice Dancers Jayne Torvill OBE and Christopher Dean OBE. Taking place at the world-famous Dorchester Hotel, the incredible careers of the former British, European, Olympic, and World champions were celebrated at an event hosted by Variety Celebrity Ambassador Eamonn Holmes. The event raised funds to aid the charity’s work in supporting sick, disabled and disadvantaged children across the country.

Celebrities in attendance included Strictly Come Dancing stars Karen Hauer and Kevin Clifton; Dancing on Ice judge Jason Gardiner; England football legend David Seaman; Lizzie Cundy; Anna Williamson; Bobby Davro; Stefan Booth; Joe McGann; and figure-skater and Carry On favourite Anita Harris. Guests were treated to a three-course lunch in the hotel’s beautiful Ballroom.

Pamela Sinclair, Chief Barker of Variety, the Children’s Charity, said: “Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are two of our country’s most cherished sporting figures, loved by millions. They are also passionate and very committed supporters of our charity, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity today to celebrate their considerable achievements, all whilst raising crucial funds for the children Variety supports.”

Pamela Sinclair, Chief Barker of Variety, the Children’s Charity, said:

“Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are two of our country’s most cherished sporting figures, loved by millions. They are also passionate and very committed supporters of our charity, and we are thrilled to have had the opportunity today to celebrate their considerable achievements, all whilst raising crucial funds for the children Variety supports.”

The pair were previously honoured as Legends of Industry by the charity in 2014 – 30 years on from their legendary Olympic routine in Sarajevo – following their years of support.

Variety, the Children’s Charity, supports children and young people in the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, believing that neither disability nor disadvantage should prevent a child from realizing his or her full potential. The charity has supported over 800,000 children in the UK to date. In addition, this year sees the charity celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Variety Great Days Out programme, which takes children on fun-filled trips. Around 2 million children have benefitted from the programme to date.