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From Rio to the jungle

Olympic star Louis Smith hints he could be a contestant on I’m A Celeb

OLYMPIC hero Louis Smith could be set to swap the gym for the jungle.

The 27-year-old pin-up says he's taking a year out after winning silver in Rio on Sunday - and dropped a huge hint that he's in talks to do I'm A Celebrity, Get Me Out Of Here.

 There have been rumours the Olympian will be heading into the jungle later in the year
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There have been rumours the Olympian will be heading into the jungle later in the yearCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

And he's also fired a four-letter broadside at Twitter trolls who accused him of snubbing team-mate Max Whitlock, who beat him to gold in the Pommel Horse event.

Smith said: "I'll be taking most of 2017 out.

 He was emotional after placing after fellow Brit Max Whitlock on Sunday
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He was emotional after placing after fellow Brit Max Whitlock on SundayCredit: EPA

"I want to get on the property ladder - and apart from that, you'll have to wait and see.

"There's something in the pipeline.

 Louis in the Men's Pommel Horse final on Sunday
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Louis in the Men's Pommel Horse final on SundayCredit: Reuters

"I have got a meeting when I get back about a potential show.

"You guys will probably have a field day with it.

"But I am looking forward to it, it’s something I have wanted to do for a long time."

 Max Whitlock and Louis Smith after their victories in the Men's Pummel Horse event
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Max Whitlock and Louis Smith after their victories in the Men's Pummel Horse eventCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Asked if it was I'm A Celebrity, he grinned: "I can neither confirm or deny anything you say.

"Like I say, wait and see.

"When I get back I am dancing for seven weeks, on tour with a West End show called Keep Dancing, so I am looking forward to a break from gym."

 The Olympic silver medallist says he is looking forward to a break from the gym
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 The Olympic silver medallist says he is looking forward to a break from the gymCredit: AP

Last night an official spokesman said: “Anyone suggested for I’m A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here! at this early stage is just pure speculation.”

Louis then turned on internet rumour-mongers stirring up a row between him and Whitlock, snapping: "People are saying I didn't congratulate Max, but they just didn't see me give him a hug and say well done.

"Now it's all 'oh, Louis, he's a sore loser'. F*** off, everyone."

 Louis with fellow Olympic champ Max Whitlock. who won gold in the Men's Pummel Horse final
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Louis with fellow Olympic champ Max Whitlock. who won gold in the Men's Pummel Horse finalCredit: Reuters

Louis was accused of refusing to shake Max’s hand and saying: “That’s bulls**t man” on camera after his team mate pipped him to the gymnastics gold medal.


The gymnast, who won two silvers and a bronze across three Games, insists he told another competitor “should be proud man.”

 Louis Smith and Max Whitlock hug
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Louis Smith and Max Whitlock hugCredit: AP:Associated Press

Louis took a break from the showbiz world to focus on his Olympic training.

Speaking in July he said: “Look, I am, and always will be, an Olympic gymnast rather than a celebrity personality.”

 In 2008 Louis Smith became the first Brit in 100 years to win an individual Olympic medal
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In 2008 Louis Smith became the first Brit in 100 years to win an individual Olympic medalCredit: Times Newspapers Ltd

Despite his claim, Louis is no stranger to reality TV.

The Olympian won Strictly Come Dancing with his partner Flavia Cacaca in 2012 before winning his second title with the show after triumphing in the 2014 Christmas special.

 Louis appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012
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Louis appeared on Strictly Come Dancing in 2012Credit: PA:Press Association
 Louis and his partner Flavia Cacaca won the showbiz dancing competition
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Louis and his partner Flavia Cacaca won the showbiz dancing competitionCredit: BBC

Louis also dated ex-Towie star Lucy Mecklenburgh, 24, proving he has no allegiances against reality TV.

They called time on their 14-month romance in February.

 Louis with ex-girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh in 2015
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Louis with ex-girlfriend Lucy Mecklenburgh in 2015Credit: Corbis

He confirmed the split on Instagram, saying: “Yes me and Lucy have broken up!! Yes I’m ok and glad she’s ok as well. And yes we definitely want different things.”

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