Andrei and Susie Lipanov.

THE LONG-awaited new ice rink at Alexandra Palace will open with a spectacular gala featuring Dancing On Ice celebrity skaters Andrei Lipanov and wife Susie Lipanova.

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The £2.3million overhaul sees an international-standard rink installed in the Pally that can be used for competitive events.

The TV favourites will be joined for a show by the rink’s celebrated skating club the Palace Foundations - who performed at the opening of Hyde Park’s Winter Wonderland - before an eager public can lace up and experience the ice for themselves on Friday, January 21.

The gala will also feature a performance of synchronised skating, a new and fast growing sport in the UK, from recent champions Team Aura, and the Haringey Ice Hockey Junior Team will demonstrate their skills too.

The show starts at 7pm and public skating starts at 8pm and carries on through the weekend.

Tickets to see the show and skate afterwards are £5, including skate hire, and are available on 020 8365 4386.

Rebecca Kane, managing director of Alexandra Palace’ commercial arm, said: “We are delighted that after nine months and much anticipation, we are reopening the ice rink, which we know has been missed by our skaters.

“We look forward to seeing you all for the opening weekend, when you can pull on a pair of skates and try out the new ice.

“The £2.3 million investment means that our championship skaters can now compete on an international level.”

For more information on the rink, see www.alexandrapalace.com/whats-on/ice-rink.