Professional skaters from Dancing on Ice showed off their skills to mark the launch of the Hampton Court Palace ice rink.

Richmond and Twickenham Times: Dancing on Ice dancers Matt Evers and Frankie PoultneyDancing on Ice dancers Matt Evers and Frankie Poultney

The rink at the royal palace, which opened to the public on Friday, November 21, is run this year by Cousins Entertainment, owned by Robert Cousins.

To mark the launch, stars from the ITV1 show, including Vicky Ogden, Matt Evers and Frankie Poultney, entertained guests in the shadow of Henry VIII's residence.

Mr Cousins said: "What better setting can there be for an open air ice rink than the grounds of the beautiful Hampton Court Palace on a lovely winter’s evening? We are excited to be working closely with the palace to ensure this seasonal attraction attracts more people than ever.

"Thanks to our performers, we’ve got things off to the best possible start, and we can all look forward to Christmas."

The rink is open every day except Christmas Day and a rink-side bar and cafe is operated by the Pie Man.

For tickets and other information, visit thehamptoncourticerink.co.uk.