FLAMBOYANT feathers, fever and flying skates spelled out the spectacular start of Hot Ice 2002 on Saturday (April 27).

And the only celebrities worth spotting at the OK magazine sponsored launch of the Blackpool Pleasure Beach show were the skaters themselves as yet another Stageworks wonder hit the ice, directed and produced by Amanda Thompson and choreographed by Phil Winston.

Last year's tribal-inspired Rhythmos has been swept away in favour of something with a little more spice.

And Quixotic certainly hits the hot spot with full-blooded bullfighters trailing capes and sexy senoritas in rich, red velvets meeting rainbow-coloured whirling dervishes in a fiery Mediterranean mix.

And don't miss the mesmerising monochrome of Imposible.

French fancy Va Voom has been nipped and tucked to a pin sharp style with a few exciting additions including the haunting Montmartre led by the stunning Susie Lipanova.

Firm favourite Oula Jaaskelainen delights as ever with a smile wide enough to light the whole arena and his fellow Finn Jenni Numminen also impresses.

New boy Roman Khoutorino won the hearts of the audience with outstanding skill and a cheeky grin. And married couple Natalie Pestova and Alexei Kislitsyn proved that work and play do mix with enough chemistry to melt the rink.

Once again Hot Ice pushes the boundaries of skating skill as blades flash by and performers spin, somersault and seduce the eye with unbelievable ease and never fail to entertain.

Hot Ice runs twice daily at the Arena, Blackpool Pleasure Beach, until November 3 with tickets from £7. Call (0870) 444 5588 for bookings and more information.