Seeing the live version of ITV's hit series is a bit like sitting in a gigantic living room with members of an extended family you never knew you had - a sensation both strange yet strangely familiar. This slickly commercial marriage of show business and athletics is a communal event that feels simultaneously relaxed and, judging by the audience's roars of appreciation whenever their favourites appear, more than a little giddy with excitement.

The biggest responses come at the start of the show when Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean are revealed ready to launch into their famous Bolero, and again just after they finish. It still goes down a storm. Ending in Belfast on May 4, this edition of DoI is subtitled The Bolero 25th Anniversary Tour in recognition of their classic routine. As in last year's tour, the climax of each performance is a “skate-off” between two of the nine (ten at Wembley) celebrities in competition, along with their professional partners. The finalists also perform to Ravel.

That the live show sticks to the small-screen format makes sense. Why tamper with success? In the first half each celeb/pro pair presents a short ice dance. First come the scores, then comments by Torvill, Dean and a panel of five judges who tend towards praise. (The catty Jason Gardiner is absent.) Mostly it's deserved.

Consider Jessica Taylor. Supported by the equally long-limbed Pavel Aubrecht, the pop singer evinces a smooth power on the ice. Or how about the ex-rugby star Kyran Bracken? He's a strong match for pro skater Melanie Lambert. Call her foolhardy or brave, but Roxanne Pallett of Emmerdale apparently has no qualms about trusting Dan Whiston's grip on her ankles in the horribly named but thrilling headbanger. The most accomplished amateurs are Chris Fountain and the spry, stylish Ray Quinn (crowned TV's DoI champion this year). The two wholesome heart-throbs perform with zest.

After the interval the pros have a greater chance to shine in a string of firecracker routines. It adds up to hugely satisfying, large-scale entertainment for all ages.

Tour continues at Manchester Evening News Arena (08700 11 26 26), April 16-19. www.dancingonicetour.co.uk

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