Stars give our reporter a Celebrities on Ice lesson

THE impossible happened during a rehearsal for the Celebrities on Ice tour.

No, former X Factor singer Chico didn't keep his top on. But I fitted into Olympic gymnast and winner of this year's Dancing on Ice Beth Tweddle's costume, writes Evening Times reporter Rachel Loxton.

The surprise came when I went to Braehead Arena to learn some skating tricks from Chico and former rugby ace Kyran Bracken.

Dad-of-three Kyran whisks me backstage before showing me a leopard print catsuit, then hands me a Ginger Spice-esque union flag sequin top.

Before we hit the ice Chico, 42, goes topless and drops to the floor

This is the secret to his enviable pecs, he reveals. "I do 600 press ups every day," he says. "I haven't been to the gym in months. Touring with Boogie Nights and doing the ice shows keeps me fit."

He says the show, which also features Matt Lapinskas, Gareth Thomas and Colin Ratushniak, is like "Britain's Got Talent on ice".

"It's got everything," he says. "We have fire eaters, circus stars, singing and it's hosted by Christopher Biggins."

On the ice, Kyran, who was crowned Dancing on Ice champion in 2007, takes charge. The 41-year-old leads me round and explains how the Celebrities on Ice pals have become "like family". "We're best mates," he says.

The pair then perform impressive spins and lifts, leaving me dizzy, before I leave them to prepare for the show which is at Braehead tonight and tomorrow..

l 24-hour ticket hotline: 0844 499 1700, at www.braehead-arena.co.uk and Braehead Arena Box Office.