When I think back to my school exams, I can remember the colour-coded timetable, the dining room laden with books and the stressful last-minute cramming. The antithesis of this picture seems to be 17-year-old Rio Sully from Enfield, who is somehow managing to juggle her school work with a starring role as Wendy in Peter Pan on Ice at the Lee Valley Ice Centre.

In fact, so organised is the Lee Valley High School student, she even finds time to speak to me just hours before taking an A level history exam.

“I’m feeling pretty confident,” she calmly tells me about the test.

Skating since she was seven, Rio is just as confident on the ice as she is in the exam hall, with eight British titles with the Lee Valley London Skating Club synchronised team to her name.

“I’m part of the synchro team and we train four times a week, mainly before school, so I am at the rink at 7.30am, which does really tire you out,” she admits. “When I was in my GSCE year, I was up at 5.30am to be at the rink for 6am. When I moved into sixth form, I had to reassess and I train in my free periods as well now, so I’m not so drained as it’s going to be my hardest year.”

On top of her team training, Rio is also at the rink, where the stars of ITV’s Dancing on Ice practice with skating legends Torvill and Dean, at the weekends for pantomime rehearsals, which can last up to four hours.

“Ever since I was little I always wanted to act and then when I was seven I started skating and I managed to mix the two,” Rio recalls. “I like everything about skating, I wouldn’t be doing it for ten years if I didn’'t, but most importantly I like to perform.”

This will be Rio’s debut in a lead role for the Christmas show, but as with everything else, she is taking it in her stride.

“Last year I played the witch’s evil sidekick in Sleeping Beauty, which basically meant making a idiot of myself. It’s quite different this time as it’s the first time I have had a lead role, but I’m really looking forward to it.

“I’m obviously in a lot more numbers and have more moves and lines to remember but I have always wanted to do shows, I feel more comfortable, I prefer to be out in front showing off.”

Featuring 90 skaters from all across London, Essex and Hertfordshire, JM Barrie’s classic tale of the boy who never grew up will be brought to life with dazzling pyrotechnics and glamourous lighting effects, fabulous costumes and good old fashioned audience participation.

Speaking about the show, Rio enthuses: “It’s going to be quite exciting, there are a lot of new things this year, a lot more group numbers and the scenery is really special. I think it’s going to be one of our best shows.”

Peter Pan on Ice runs at Lee Valley Ice Centre, Lea Bridge Road, Leyton, from Friday, December 18 to Sunday, December 20. Tickets: 08444 771 000