SWINDON mum of three Zoe Wilkinson is returning to top grade competitive ice skating as the new partner of 2014 and 2016 British pairs champion Christopher Boyadji.

They make their debut at the IJS Sheffield competition this week and hope subsequently to compete on the world stage.

In January this year, Boyadji split with Amani Fancy after two years as the top ranking senior pair in the UK.

He advertised for a new skating partner, Wilkinson replied, and they had a try-out at Swindon in April.

Boyadji said: “After skating with Zoe for a few hours, I wanted to skate with her more.

“I knew that as she had a family she would not be able to move, so I went to Swindon to spend a week skating with her, and to see the facilities there.

“The next week I packed my bags and moved to Swindon where we now train together at the Better Link Centre where we are very grateful for some wonderful support.”

Wilkinson, aged 36, enjoyed a successful skating career in the early 2000s, being crowned British Senior Champion in 2000 and 2001, as well as competing in European and World Championships. She retired from skating in 2001 to start a family, and now has three children as well as a decade of coaching under her belt.

She made her return to the ice in 2014 and within three months she won the ISU adult competition in Oberstdorf, Germany, and later placed second at the 2015 British Senior Championships.

Wilkinson said: “I have always wanted to skate pairs, and have that person alongside you for training and through the ups and downs.

“When I sent a message to Chris I never expected a reply, never mind to end up being his new partner!

“We are both very excited going into the new season and can’t wait to see what it brings.”

They will bid for the British Senior Championship later this season, and hope to be selected to compete at the European and World Championships in 2017.