STRICTLY COME DANCING: Louis Smith Wins This Year's Final, Beating Denise Van Outen And Kimberley Walsh

STRICTLY COME DANCING: Louis Crowns A Glittering Year
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Louis Smith has been crowned the champion of this year's 'Strictly Come Dancing' competition.

The Olympic gymnast, who had been the bookies' favourite, going into the final weekend smiled with pleasure as he was presented with the glitterball by Sir Bruce Forsyth, and asked to compare this triumph with his Olympic competition, where he won a silver medal...

"They're both very different, but I can finally say I won something in 2012."

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Louis' athleticism helped him and Flavia secure this year's title

As for his partner Flavia Cacace, Louis was suitably impressed...

"She's been absolutely legend, the nicest person I ever met, she's so patient... unbelievable."

And, asked if he would carry on dancing now he's finished with the competition, he said, "I'll have to."

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Louis was chuffed to pick up this year's title - "I can finally say I won something," said the silver medallist

The popular athlete beat finalists Denise Van Outen with James Jordan, and Kimberley Walsh with Kovalev to take this year's crown. Dani Harmer, with Vincent Simone, was knocked out earlier in the evening.

Louis and Flavia's three routines hadn't scored top marks from the judges - that honour went to a grateful Denise and James - but they scored best with the audience vote to take home the title.