WITH HIS love of the boogie and his unique velvet-smooth groove DJ Lionel Vinyl is the epitome of Blackpool chic.

But the prolific prince of polyester pop's catchphrase "Lionel loves you!" has landed the afro-haired disco king in hot water after thousands of groupies inundated him with Christmas cards.

More than 3000 fans have contacted the Brooklyn-born DJ superstar since December 1, hoping to give a little festive love to the retro genius.

But Lionel -- who rose to fame on the Manhattan 70s disco scene and taught John Travolta how to dance -- is getting his kipper-tie in a flap trying to cope with the deluge of mail while launching his new family fun bar and diner, Lionel's.

Lionel said: "Don't catch me wrong Lionel digs the ladies and spreading a little Christmas cheer is groovy. I'm Santa's biggest fan!

"But there's only so many seasons greetings one guy can take and Lionel is snowed under.

"There've been Christmas cards from disco-lovers all around the world from Skegness to Sydney and Lionel's all out of love."

And while the flamboyant flared maestro welcomes a diverse and cultured fanbase, he has been a little disturbed by some of the less than wholesome suggestions scrawled on his many salutations.

Lionel added: "Lionel's had a lot of love from people of every persuasion.

"Even guys in the army who won't be seeing their loved ones over the holidays are transferring all that pent up energy to Lionel.

"And there's a fine line between cool and not and this situation is getting like turkey on Boxing Day --seriously uncool."

But seasonal stress aside, everyone's favourite hip-thruster is taking five to get Lionel's off the ground and establish Blackpool as a disco heaven.

He's looking forward to welcoming his adoring public to eat, drink, be merry and learn some moves at the Disco Academy before New Year.