Jump directly to the content

OLYMPIC gymnast Louis Smith has thrown his hat in the rink to join Dancing on Ice next year.

The 33-year-old retired athlete has a history of smashing competitions and won Strictly Come Dancing in 2012, before being awarded an MBE for his services to gymnastics.

Gymnastics star Louis Smith has been head hunted for Dancing on Ice next year
5
Gymnastics star Louis Smith has been head hunted for Dancing on Ice next year
Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield spotted him sitting in the audience during the final
5
Presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield spotted him sitting in the audience during the final

He was also the inaugural winner of The Masked Dancer in 2021 dressed as Carwash.

Last night he made a rare public appearance in the audience of Dancing on Ice, and presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield couldn't resist the opportunity to sign him for 2024.

Holly, 42, pounced first and said: "Listen, you've been the champion of so many things, Strictly, The Masked Dancer, I mean, there's an ice rink with your name on it."

Appearing a bit sheepish at first, Louis replied: "I've got too many cobwebs to be honest with you. I'm a bit out of action."

READ MORE ON DANCING ON ICE

He then paused and added: "But you give me three months...."

Excited, Phil blurted out: "Oh we'll give you more than that! We'll give you more.

"We'll all speak later."

Gold medal winner Louis is the most successful male gymnast to come out of the UK.

It comes as British Olympian Nile Wilson, 27, broke down in tears as he told of his pride at winning the 2023 series last night.

Nile said: "It means so much to me. I want to thank everyone who voted back home.

"If Dancing on Ice is anything other than entertainment – we've got 11 human beings of all different shapes and sizes standing on this stage with an allocated time to get good at something.

"We've proved that we can do it, and what an inspirational show.

"If you work hard and you put your mind to it, you can achieve anything you want to."

Phil and Holly glammed up for the Dancing on Ice final last night
5
Phil and Holly glammed up for the Dancing on Ice final last nightCredit: Rex
Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart were named this year's winners
5
Nile Wilson and Olivia Smart were named this year's winnersCredit: Rex
Louis won The Masked Dancer in 2021 dressed as Carwash
5
Louis won The Masked Dancer in 2021 dressed as Carwash
Topics