You can do it Dan!

Blackpool ice ace Dan Whiston is nervously preparing for his big day on Saturday - but has said a big thank you to his Fylde supporters for cheering him on to the final of hit TV series, Dancing on Ice.

Dan, who will join celebrity partner, former Coronation Street star Gaynor Faye, for Saturday's live final, will be cheered on by friends and family from across the area, including a big crowd at Blackpool Pleasure Beach, where a massive screen will show the programme in the ice arena.

Dan and Gaynor will dance their most loved routine from the series, Titanic, and a new dance. If they win through to the final dance-off they will perform a routine to Bolero, the music which accompanied Torvill and Dean's famous 1984 Olympic gold medal performance. Millions are expected to tune in for the finale of the massively successful series.

"I'm very, very excited," Dan told the Citizen this week: "Obviously this week is a really, really hard week with three routines to do but everyone is buzzing. There is a great atmosphere.

"To be honest, I didn't realise it was going to be such a big hit. I'm pleased and thrilled that it has been so big - it has boosted the whole skating world.

"Skating has always been a fantastic way to keep fit - it's such an amazing sport but it seemed to disapear for a little while. To bring in Torvill and Dean and attach them to such an amazing project and bring the show to the top of the Saturday night viewing figures is fantastic."

"We've been getting a lot of support from people in Blackpool and I want to say a big thank you to everyone, especially my family."

Mum and dad Marge and Bill have been following the competition anxiously - and getting plenty of support for their son.

"They run a carpet shop and everybody that comes in has been giving them plenty of feedback," added Dan.

But there will be no rest for Dan when he returns to the Fylde Coast next week. Rehearsals for this year's Hot Ice show start almost immediately with the show due to open on April 7, which will keep Dan busy until November.

"I prefer it like that," he added. "I'm always open to new projects but at the moment it's hard to think too far ahead."

l The Pleasure Beach Arena is open from 6.30pm to 9.30pm with Dancing On Ice showing on the big screen. Admission is £5 including skate hire.