Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson are heading into the 2025/26 season with their names at the very top of the ISU World Rankings - a moment of unprecedented pride for British ice dance. Their journey to world number one has been fuelled by bold choreography, historic achievements, and unwavering passion.

In this article, they look back on a remarkable year, talk about what’s driving them as they head toward Milan-Cortina 2026, and share just how much it means to be competing at a major championship on home ice in Sheffield - a venue that holds a special place in their hearts.

The ISU World Standings are determined by a points-based system that takes into account results from the past three seasons, with recent competitions carrying more weight. Points are awarded based on placements at major events including the Grand Prix series, European and World Championships, and other ISU-recognised international competitions. Lilah and Lewis’s remarkable consistency, capped off by a World bronze medal in Boston, has secured them the top spot - a first in the modern era for a British ice dance team.

Fear and Gibson Ranked World No. 1 Ahead of Grand Prix Season

As they enter the 2025/26 Grand Prix season, Lilah Fear and Lewis Gibson do so as history-makers - ranked number one in the world and proudly carrying the momentum of a landmark year for British Ice Dance.

This summer, they’ve been hard at work building on last season’s success. “We worked extremely hard this summer,” they share. “We focused on technique, developed new and exciting lifts and elements, and collaborated closely with Highland dance instructors to ensure that our Scottish-themed free dance is authentic to the style. We are very proud of both our rhythm dance and free dance and can’t wait to skate them.”

The duo’s rhythm dance pays tribute to one of the UK’s most iconic exports - the Spice Girls - while the free dance brings to life a rich Scottish theme, set to three well-known pieces of music and rooted in traditional choreography. “We wanted both programs to be innovative, intricate, and fresh; to be Lilah and Lewis, but in a way you haven’t seen before,” they explain. “Both programs are us at our core, and we are going to keep dancing, entertaining, and having fun out there.”

A Season to Remember

Their rise to world number one follows a groundbreaking 2024/25 season, capped off by a bronze medal at the World Championships in Boston - the first world medal for a British skater since the legendary Torvill and Dean in 1984.

“We had performances and results that showed us a world medal was possible,” they reflect. “Going into Boston, we believed we could do it - but having it come to fruition was a truly remarkable ‘pinch me’ moment. It’s a moment we will never forget and an achievement of which we are incredibly proud.”

Torvill and Dean remain icons in British skating - and their influence looms large over Lilah and Lewis’s journey. “To be linked to them in that way is so meaningful. To be following in their footsteps in any way is really amazing, and we’re so proud,” they say. “It’s so incredible that the legacy they’ve left has really kept ice dance alive in Great Britain. When you say figure skating or ice dance or anything to do with skates, people know Jayne and Chris. It’s a testament to the achievements they’ve had and the way they touch the public.”

Life as World No. 1s

Despite sitting at the top of the global rankings, Lilah and Lewis remain grounded and focused on growth. “Going into the season ranked number one in the world is not on our minds in terms of its implications,” they admit. “We take pride in the previous season and carry that energy forward. We truly enjoy every day and love to learn, pushing ourselves to continually improve. What we love about the sport is the challenge - and it’s what keeps us inspired and excited.”

They credit their progress to the support of a world-class coaching team and a positive training environment. “We’ve developed an effective and rewarding training process. We’re supported by a coaching team that is second to none, and training mates who inspire us on a daily basis.”

Eyes on Milan–Cortina 2026

With the next Olympic Games just over a year away, Lilah and Lewis are embracing the new season with a different mindset than their debut in Beijing.

“This Olympic season build-up feels considerably different from Beijing 2022,” they reflect. “Firstly, Beijing was under COVID restrictions - there was considerable anxiety about contracting COVID, and uncertainty about all aspects of the event. It was our first Olympics. We were just thrilled to be there, honoured to represent Great Britain, and soaked up every minute.”

This time, they feel more prepared. “We will have four more years of experience and a different perspective. Our expectations haven’t changed - we always aim to put out performances that we are proud of. We are excited to see what happens and will focus on ourselves and strive to be as prepared and empowered as possible.”

Personal Highlights and Advice to the Next Generation

While medals mark milestones in their career, it’s often the quiet victories that resonate most. “Of course, we are proud of our World medal and our Grand Prix Final medal—the first of its kind for Great Britain,” they say. “However, it’s moments like managing to compete at the Finlandia Trophy last year, despite an accident during practice, that gave us such an immense sense of connection and fulfilment. This journey is filled with moments like these, and we are grateful for all of them.”

To young skaters across the UK, they offer this message: “Dream big and work as hard as you can, because it is indeed possible.”

The Road to Sheffield

One of the most emotional moments ahead will come this January, when Lilah and Lewis take to the ice at the ISU European Figure Skating Championships - hosted on home ice in Sheffield.

“We’re just so grateful that we will have Europeans in Sheffield,” they say. “We’ve competed against and seen all of our competitors at their home ice, and we see how special that is. We got to experience that in some way at the Grand Prix in Sheffield, and that was on a smaller scale than what this is going to be - it was unbelievable and so heartwarming and emotional.”

“Firstly, to represent the British team in Britain and compete for gold is such an honour and something that we’ll be very grateful for, to receive all that love, and then hopefully do the nation proud with our performances. We want to take it all in and express our gratitude through our skating.”

The event brings a sense of full-circle joy for the pair. Lilah was a flower girl at the 2012 Europeans, collecting gifts thrown from the crowd onto the ice. Lewis, a young development skater, attended as a spectator. Now, they return as leaders of Team GBR, ready to inspire the next generation of British talent.

“It was a source of inspiration for both of us,” they say. “We’re looking forward to providing that same motivation for others.”

Join the Journey

The ISU Figure Skating European Championships 2026 will be the final major competition for Lilah and Lewis before they head to the Olympic Games in Milan. Don’t miss your chance to cheer them - and the rest of Team GBR - on in person as they take to home ice in Sheffield.

Tickets are on sale now at europeans2026.com, and you can follow all the build-up across British Ice Skating’s social media channels @BritishIceSkating on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter).