Louis Smith crowned king of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly winner Louis Smith and Flavia Cacace holding the glitterball trophy. Credit: PA

Louis Smith is this year's Strictly Come Dancing champion after impressing the public with his spectacular routines.

The silver medallist gymnast and dance partner Flavia Cacace secured the coveted glitterball trophy from finalist rivals Kimberley Walsh and Denise van Outen, after actress Dani Harmer was voted out of the final earlier in the evening.

When asked how the victory compared to the London Olympics, Smith replied: "They are both very different, but I can finally say I've won something in the year 2012."

The 23-year-old showed off his athletic physique by stripping down to a pair of skin-tight leggings to perform Take That’s ‘Rule The World’ for the pair's showdance.

He earned a top score of 10 from each of the four judges after lifting his partner high above his head and performing a handstand on top of a giant globe.

Len Goodman said: "If this show goes on for another 20 years I don't think we'll ever see a showdance that was as magical as that."

Bruno Tonioli added that he had the "strength of a superhuman" while Craig Revel Horwood described Smith's performance as "fabulous and amazing".

Denise Van Outen and James Jordan performed the Charleston and Flashdance's 'What a Feeling' during the final. Credit: PA

Runner-up Walsh impressed judges with an exuberant routine to 'Beyonce's Crazy in Love', while fellow finalist van Outen performed the Charleston and Flashdance's 'What a Feeling'.