HUNTINGDON gymnast Louis Smith has been tipped as the early favourite for BBC 1’s Strictly Come Dancing title.

The London 2012 silver and bronze medallist is 9/4 favourite at bookie bet365 ahead of TV presenter Denise Van Outen, Girls Aloud singer Kimberley Walsh and fellow Olympian Victoria Pendleton.

The 23-year-old was paired up with Flavia Cacace, who joined BBC 1’s flagship programme in 2006, who has never won the competition. Flavia came closest in 2007 when she came second with EastEnders star Matt Di Angelo behind singer, and former Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon.