Olympic medal-winning gymnast is back in training in Deeside.
But Team GB star Beth Tweddle won’t be making a comeback on the uneven bars after claiming a bronze at London 2012.
Instead the 28-year-old is making regular returns to Queensferry to hone the skating skills she learnt before being crowned champion of ITV’s Dancing on Ice .
Deeside Ice Rink coach Penny Hebden-Jacks spoke of her pride after her decorated protege added another trophy to her cabinet in March.
And now the pair, who became close when Penny put Beth through her paces ahead of the show, have been reunited.
“She has decided to come back and carry on her skating because she enjoyed it so much,” said Penny, who has been coaching for more than 30 years.
“She has asked for lessons with me – she really likes it at Deeside.
“She’s progressing phenomenally well considering she hadn’t been on the ice for months.
“She skates with my pupils as well and they have a good laugh, which is fantastic for them.”
Penny, who also coached Welsh rugby legend Gareth Thomas, says Beth’s ‘sports mindset’ and ‘unbelievable determination’ helped her win Dancing on Ice and will stand her in good stead for developing as a skater.
And she is hopeful South Africa-born Beth will one day star in one of Deeside Ice Skating Club’s annual sell-out shows.
She added: “That would be lovely and I’m sure she’d do it, but that’s another thing... we’ll have to wait and see what happens in the future.”
Beth, from Bunbury, near Tarporley, is Britain’s most successful gymnast.
During a glittering career she has won three world, six European, one Commonwealth and seven British titles – as well as Olympic bronze.
She won the show with professional skater Daniel Whiston, who had previously been paired with actress Jennifer Ellison and Atomic Kitten singer Kerry Katona.
