A ROSSENDALE-based skater who performed before millions of viewers in the last series of Dancing on Ice has given her tips for this year's competitors.

Russian Natalia Pestova said she was disappointed that work commitments meant she had to turn down the chance to take part in the third series of the show, which features former Hear'Say singer Suzanne Shaw, former Blue Peter presenter Tim Vincent, and singer Gareth Gates.

Natalia, who came 10th out of 11 teams after being knocked out early last year when she partnered newsreader Phil Gayle, is due to start training in February for Blackpool's Hot Ice dance show.

The mother-of-one, who has a house in Carr Lane, Rawtenstall, tipped former sportsmen Greg Rusedski, Olympic medal winner Steve Backley and singer/dancer Samantha Mumba as the ones to watch out for.

Natalia, who has been skating professionally for 25 years, said: "It is not just about winning, it is about getting confidence, comfortable and as happy as possible.

"For anyone who is going to take part I would suggest they start doing some kind of exercise.

"The men need to build up not only their arm muscles but also their leg muscles because they have to do a lot of bending and lifting.

"I have found it is easier to train with former athletes because their fitness levels are already very good.

"It is definitely more difficult for the men than it is for the women because they have to lead the dancers."

The 33-year-old will be taking part in the Hot Ice show with husband and fellow skating pro Alexei Kislipsyn, 40, who won the Spanish version of the reality show last year with Spanish gymnast Almudena Cid.

She said: "They asked me to take part but sadly due to my busy work schedule I had to say no.

"I am due to start on the Hot Ice show with my husband in February and am looking forward to doing this.

"It was a hard decision to turn it down because it is hard to say no to television. But I would like to do it next year."

Dancing on Ice begins on ITV1 on Sunday at 6pm. Other contestants include How Clean is Your House? presenter Aggie MacKenzie, Sarah Greene, former model Linda Lusardi and Hollyoaks star Chris Fountain.