A CAPACITY audience enjoyed stunning performances when the live tour version of Dancing on Ice came to the North-East last night.

Skating legends Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean were joined by the champion of the ITV1 series, Sam Attwater, and the runners-up at the Metro Arena, in Newcastle.

Among the performers was Coronation Street actress and Loose Women presenter Denise Welch, who was reunited with her ice skating partner, Matt Evers.

Speaking before the performance, Welch, who was born in Ebchester, County Durham, said: “I am really excited to be here.

“We were in Sheffield last week.

It was just a buzz.

“I have never played before a large audience before. It is like proper rock and roll.

“I think I am rubbish, but I just try to provide the laughs.

“I never quite realised the diehardness of these Dancing on Ice fans; these people who save up all year to come and follow the shows.

“It is sold out tonight, with 10,000 people here.”

The judging panel comprised TV personality Christopher Biggins, TV judge Robin Cousins and head skating coach Karen Barber. At each performance, the audience votes for their favourite celebrity skater.

Welch said: “The top five skate again and two of those go on to do the bolero.

“I never thought I would be saying at the age of 52 or that I would be on tour with Torvill and Dean, and I never thought I would be would be wearing a purple leotard at my age.”

Chloe Madeley, daughter of television personalities Richard Madeley and Judy Finnigan, said: “When I was asked to take part in the tour, I was really excited and thrilled.

“Ice skating becomes your life.

The tour is the pot of gold at the end of it.”

The show will be staged again at 2.30pm and 7.30pm today. Tickets are from £32.50, on 0844-499-9955 and dancingonicetour.co.uk