NICKY Slater is a busy man. He is currently touring with Ice Times, the show he has written and stars in.

He is in demand across the country as a motivational speaker, is a member of the genius gang Mensa, is working on a book, writes music, is a TV commentator on ice-skating competitions around the world and recently became a father to a son called Tiger.

Oh, and he has also been a judge on a rather popular celebrity talent television contest.

This year's Dancing on Ice final was watched by more than 11 million people, propelling ice dancing into the public eye big time.

While Nicky is widely known for his part in the show's success, it's just another item on his already impressive CV. He was a Junior World Champion in 1976 and, with his dance partner Karen Barber, became British Champion in 1985, competed in two Winter Olympics and European and World Championships.

Nicky, 50, says Ice Times is one of the achievements of which he is particularly proud: "We began the show in January and, to be honest, it has stretched me. It is a wonderful mixture of storytelling, dance and music.

"I talk about the history of ice dancing from the Victorian era to modern times. I show people how routines are put together and I share some behind-the-scenes anecdotes from my years in this business. It's a journey through the development of ice dance and my career.

"The feedback we are getting is that people think it's a great night's entertainment and you come away knowing more about ice dance.

"There's lots of laughter, glamour, sequins, period costumes and fun. The show is much more than just me. I have young people dancing in the show and I just find the whole thing so challenging but enjoyable. Every show is different because the audience is different."

Ice dancing is in Nicky's blood. His parents were champion skaters in the 1950s and Nicky cannot remember life before ice dancing.

"I'm very happy at the moment. I have a wonderful wife, Christiane, and a beautiful baby boy, Tiger.

Well, I call him Tiger but Christiane calls him Benjamin. I haven't named him after Tiger Woods but if he takes up golf, does really well and makes his millions, I certainly won't be complaining."

In case you've been wondering how the stage at The Beck becomes an ice skating platform, the wonders of modern technology have made it possible for a plastic 'rink' to be laid on the theatre's boards.

Nicky adds: "I'm really looking forward to the show because the last one we did was fantastic and felt as if we had a breakthrough; everything fell into place.

"I promise the audience a night to remember."

* Ice Times is at the Beck Theatre on Wednesday, July 9, starting at 7.30pm. Tickets are £14 and £16.

For more information, call the theatre on 020 8561 8371.