The show opens on 2 April

The Bristol-born skater, who won an Olympic gold in 1980, is bringing the Holiday on Ice spectacular to Clifton Down in April.

Cousins has skated in the show and is now its choreographer.

"I am sorry I didn't get to perform in Bristol when I was part of the cast of Holiday on Ice," he told the BBC.

If it gets warmer outside we have to turn the heating down otherwise the ice will melt James Baddock Head of production More pictures

Although the show has been touring the world for decades but has never visited Bristol because it lacks a suitably-sized venue.

To get round the problem, a 76m x 66m rink and huge "ice tent" have been engineered for the four-day show.

The tent and its rink, changing areas and seating for 4,400 people will take 60 people 11 days to construct.

One hundred tons of sand has been put on top of the grass to create the level floor essential for the skating surface.

Melted ice

The 1.5-inch thick rink will be made from 150 tons of frozen water, while a heating system will ensure the audience is comfortable.

James Baddock, head of production, said it was a careful balancing act to protect the ice and keep the audience comfortable.

"The tent itself is heated just like a theatre but you have to be careful of keeping the temperature constant," he said.

"If it gets warmer outside we have to turn the heating down otherwise the ice will melt."

The show opens on 2 April.