THE winner of Dancing on Ice is skating back to where it all began - to inspire young Inverclyde kids to follow her.

Angela Egan melted the hearts of the public as she was crowned the winner of the top TV show last year during her first appearance.

The Greenockian landed the top spot in the competition alongside celebrity partner Sonny Jay after impressing judges and public voters alike.

Before skating into a prestigious role with Disney on Ice - with whom she travelled the globe pre-pandemic - Angela coached youngsters at the Waterfront Leisure Centre ice rink and kickstarted the local skating club.

Now, 13 years later, she is back in her home town to help youngsters develop their skating skills over the summer season.

The 35-year-old told the Tele: "I am delighted to be back at the Waterfront where it all began.

"I'm excited to be taking one-to-one lessons over the summer and coach skaters.

"Some wee ones know who I am and others don't which I appreciate - I'm just a coach here like everyone else."

Angela hopes to stay at the ice rink until she hears from Dancing On Ice producers after summer about potentially returning for the 2021 show.

As well as coaching new students, she is now working alongside new mentors she taught during her first stint at the Waterfront.

She added: "It's so funny to be back and seeing the girls who I taught when they were younger.

"Now they are coaches it makes me feel really old!

"It's great to see them still here and I'm so glad they all chose to continue skating over the years."

Coaches Rebecca McConnachie, Niamh Jamieson and Heather Kilpatrick, who was one of Angela's students back in the day, are delighted to be part of the same team as the TV star.

Heather said: "It's great to have Angela back and even better I get to work alongside her.

"It's so exciting for our members to have her here."

Waterfront Ice Skating Club teen skater Emma McConnachie says it is 'inspiring' to have Angela teaching in Greenock.

The 17-year-old said: "It's brilliant seeing how much Angela has achieved with skating and makes you believe you could do things like that one day too.

"It's funny to see the younger members talk about her being on the television, they love having her at the rink."

Angela says she is keen to welcome new members along to the local rink for lessons.

She added: "We've had some new skaters which is great, I love seeing young people get involved.

"Hopefully me being here will maybe encourage some more people to come along and give it a try."

*To book a session with Angela, facebook.com/angelaeganice