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Strictly Come Dancing: Louis Smith lifts the trophy Strictly Come Dancing: Louis Smith lifts the trophy
(35 minutes later)
Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith has been crowned champion of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.Olympic Gymnast Louis Smith has been crowned champion of this year's Strictly Come Dancing.
The 23-year-old, who won a silver medal at this summer's Olympic Games, lifted the glitterball trophy after performing a quick-footed Charleston.The 23-year-old, who won a silver medal at this summer's Olympic Games, lifted the glitterball trophy after performing a quick-footed Charleston.
"I can finally say I won something in the year 2012," he said."I can finally say I won something in the year 2012," he said.
Smith beat actress Dani Harmer, TV presenter Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh in the hotly-contested competition.Smith beat actress Dani Harmer, TV presenter Denise Van Outen and Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh in the hotly-contested competition.
Smith, who was this year's youngest competitor, was the bookmakers' favourite going into the show. Smith was this year's youngest competitor, and was partnered with professional dancer Flavia Cacace.
He has suffered several injuries during the 14-week contest, and says he will require a knee operation now the dancing has finished. He suffered several injuries during the 14-week contest, and said he would require a knee operation now the dancing has finished.
His back has also caused problems throughout his career, meaning he held off from performing dramatic lifts until his appearance in the final. His back also caused problems throughout his career, which stopped him from performing too many dramatic lifts before the final.
However, his gymnastic skills were incorporated into his routines - with somersaults and cartwheels peppering the series. The majority of those came during his showdance, which he performed topless to Take That's Rule The World.
For the final, he performed the following dances with his professional partner Flavia Cacace: Judge Bruno Tonionli said the routine "blew me away".
  • Judges' Choice: Salsa to (I've Had) The Time Of My Life by Bill Medley and Jennifer Warnes
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  • Showdance: Rule The World by Take That
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  • Favourite Dance: Charleston to Dr Wanna Do by Caro Emerald
    •
"That had grace. It had fluidity. It was sensual, as well," he added.
Head judge Len Goodman agreed, saying: "If this show goes on to another 20 years, I don't think we'll see another show dance like that."
Smith had struggled in the opening weeks of the show, his lack of showmanship resulting in lower-than-expected scores.
Goodman said there was "no fire" in his performance - but things started to pick up after he enlisted the help of a drama coach to prepare for a Charleston in week nine.
That performance was repeated for the final, with a daring double somersault over his dancing partner.
Cacace, who first appeared in the show in 2004, yelped in fear as Smith tumbled above her head - but the effort proved worth it, giving her the first Strictly win of her career.
Although the main series has now ended, Strictly will return for a pre-recorded Christmas special on 25 December.Although the main series has now ended, Strictly will return for a pre-recorded Christmas special on 25 December.
Among the newcomers will be actress Sheila Hancock, former footballer Fabrice Muamba, and Jonathan 'JB' Gill from pop group JLS.Among the newcomers will be actress Sheila Hancock, former footballer Fabrice Muamba, and Jonathan 'JB' Gill from pop group JLS.
Meanwhile, judge Darcey Bussell has confirmed she will return for the 2013 series, after making her debut this year.Meanwhile, judge Darcey Bussell has confirmed she will return for the 2013 series, after making her debut this year.
"I've thoroughly enjoyed my first series," she said, "and I'm absolutely delighted to be returning.""I've thoroughly enjoyed my first series," she said, "and I'm absolutely delighted to be returning."
This year's series - which also saw Jerry Hall, Lisa Riley and Fern Britton take part - regularly beat ITV rival The X Factor in the ratings.This year's series - which also saw Jerry Hall, Lisa Riley and Fern Britton take part - regularly beat ITV rival The X Factor in the ratings.
Compared to last year, however, its viewing figures dropped slightly - from an average of 10.9m to 10.7m.Compared to last year, however, its viewing figures dropped slightly - from an average of 10.9m to 10.7m.