LOUIS Smith’s Christmas is extra special after he was crowned Strictly Come Dancing champion on Saturday.

The silver medallist’s repeat of his first dance on the show - the Dirty Dancing salsa - and a showdance secured him a place in the final three with Tracey Beaker star Dani Harmer missing out.

In his final dance, the Charleston Louis’s favourite dance throughout the 12-week programme, the 23-year-old performed a handstand on top of a giant globe, lifted his dance partner Flavia Cacace high above his head and stripped down to a pair of skin-tight leggings to secure a quartet of 10s from the judges.

Louis’s public support was enough to see the favourite rise above actress Denise van Outen, who finished top of the judges’ leaderboard after the dancer’s second routines, and Girls Aloud’s Kimberley Walsh.

The Olympian, who narrowly missed out on gold in London, said: “I can finally say I’ve won something in the year 2012. After the show I was smiling so much my cheeks were starting to shake.”

Helater tweeted: “OH MY GOD. Can’t believe it. Words can’t express how humbled I am ... we owe everything to all of you for your unbelievable support.”

His coach at Huntingdon Gymn Paul Hall said Louis pulled out the stops: “That’s it. No more judges, no more critique, only praise for the Huntingdon lad who has risen to the top of the Strictly pile in a thrilling final that had most of the mums on the gym club balcony wearing out their fingers and phones through non stop texting.

“Louis pulled out all the stops, dancing with panache, confidence and great artistry to wow the audience with a trick filled programme.

“Louis has not just won the glitterball but has endeared himself to millions with good manners, easy going charm and oily hips, and we at Huntingdon and throughout the county are all proud of your achievements.”

Head judge Len Goodman told Louis on Saturday: “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.”

Dance partner Flavia added: “The level this year, anybody could have won it. That final was incredible. It is just thanks to the public - I can’t thank everyone enough.”