Expect some big tricks from Louis Smith on Strictly

Louis Smith has been dealt a bit of criticism in the national press with claims that he’s losing interest in Strictly Come Dancing. But he’s a master at raising his game when its needed, according to his coach at Huntingdon Olympic Gym, PAUL HALL.

BACK in the 70s I remember going to Wembley to see the Soviet Gymnastics Display Team as they toured Europe.

Along with the Harlem Globetrotters, sporting giants like these would light up the Arena and inspire thousands of school kids enjoying a day off from their studies to watch amazing human endeavour.

I was transported back to my youth on Saturday night as I watched the Strictly juggernaut roll into Wembley with a dancing extravaganza that really showed what a great spectacle the energy of dance can be.

Louis looked great but, oh, how the other celebs have sharpened up their acts and benefited from those hours in the studio. Great to see such passion and Mr Smith now has to pull out all the stops in the coming weeks in order to top the pile.

I know Louis, and he is master at raising his game when he needs to – expect some big tricks as we move closer to that elusive spot in the final.

Talking of tricks, we competed in Qatar a few years ago and Louis struggled to find things to do in between training slots.

I returned to my room from a meeting to find my hotel room door slightly ajar. Fearing the worst I crept in but could find no sign of any disturbance.

I undressed and climbed onto the bed ... which promptly collapsed under the weight of the four waste paper bins that had replaced the legs.

As I became a mattress sandwich (the supporting boards had been removed also) I could just glimpse Louis poking out from behind the curtain, laughing hysterically as bins and bedsprings flew across the room.

Don’t be deceived by his angelic TV demeanour.

Keep going Louis!

Paul Hall