Robin Cousins is one of Britain’s best-loved ice skaters who won world and European championships and topped his career with an Olympic Gold medal.

These days the skating legend is also known as the firm but fair head judge on hit ITV show Dancing On Ice.

But did you know that he’s also an accomplished musical theatre star? This month Robin comes to Bradford in Grease, playing Teen Angel, a role he performed in the West End.

“It’s one of the show’s iconic moments. I come on, sing Beauty School Dropout and steal the show!” jokes Robin.

“I’ve done several musicals now, including Cats and The Rocky Horror Show, and I choreograph big shows on ice, so the worlds of theatre and skating go hand-in-hand. They always have.

“As a child I wanted to be Gene Kelly – I saw him as an athlete as much as a dancer – and for me, dancing, skating and gymnastics were interwoven.

“I love theatre. It’s great to get back to what is, for me, an intimate performing space after working in vast arenas. And I love being with such a young, energetic cast, (headed by Danny Bayne, winner of ITV’s Grease Is The Word, as Danny and Carina Gillespie as Sandy).”

For Robin, 53, the enduring appeal of Grease is its timeless themes of young love and teen angst, and its lively score.

“It evokes an era people have a lot of affection for, and the songs are instantly recognisable,” he says.

“Like Rocky Horror, Grease has devotees following it around – we get legions of Pink Ladies coming to show after show.”

Robin came into Grease after this year’s Dancing On Ice live tour. The TV phenomenon started as an idea he discussed with Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean. “Now we’re talking about season seven. Who knew?” smiles Robin. “Jayne, Chris and I never expected the contestants to be so committed.

“I wouldn’t say they were better than ever this year, but there were more skaters of a high quality. Each year they’re more daring.

“What I love is that the show has inspired people to take up skating. You’re lucky to have a rink in Bradford. I know it well – I remember it as the Silver Blades – and, of course, many of our Dancing On Ice contestants, including top skaters like Chris Fountain and Hayley Tamaddon, have trained there.

“The North and Midlands have always had a good share of rinks, and I’m proud that Dancing On Ice is encouraging new skaters, particularly children. It’s about getting them on the ice, then bringing in the coaching. Skating is a sport that can be done any day of the year.”

Growing up in Bristol, where there was no ice rink, Robin discovered skating on a family day out to Bournemouth.

Curious about the breeze wafting through a doorway, he discovered an ice rink and, after persuading his mother to let him try, the young Robin was soon gliding around like a natural.

As a child, he was trained by Pamela Davis, who had skated with British Olympic and World Champion John Curry.

“Pam involved us in everything, from music to outfits. She took us to the ballet and taught us about performance. That had a huge influence on me as both skater and choreographer,” says Robin.

“I always say I’m a performer more than a competitor – that’s one thing I try and instill in young skaters. They have to hit targets and do all the training, but if they start worrying too much about the competition, it can be at the expense of everything else. Ultimately, they have to enjoy it.”

Early in his skating career, Robin stacked shelves in a department store, fitting in shifts around practise sessions at the ice rink. He went on to win the World Free Skating Championship Gold medal three times, in 1978, 1979 and 1980.

In 1980, he turned professional, winning Olympic Gold in Men’s Figure Skating at Lake Placid, New York, and later turned to performing, starting a longstanding involvement in Holiday On Ice.

His crowd-pleasing backflip, an 18ft jump, won him a place in the Guinness Book of Records.

As a director and choreographer, Robin’s work has included ice interpretations of The Wizard Of Oz and Starlight Express, and shows such as Electric Ice for his own ice company.

He has an MBE for services to sport and skating, and more recently he was appointed an official Team GB ambassador for the 2012 London Olympics.

“It’s a motivational role; I’ll be working with coaches, athletes and their families, helping them cope with this huge, global event with the added pressure of it being on home ground,” says Robin.

“Seventy-five per cent of our athletes are competing as Olympians for the first time. I’ve done two Olympics as a contestant and commentated on countless others. My experience means I can identify with them, and guide them.”

Grease runs at the Alhambra from June 21 to July 2. For tickets, ring (01274) 432000.