Louis Smith has been crowned champion of Strictly Come Dancing 2012, after triumphing in the final on Saturday night over Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Dani Harmer. The 22-year-old Olympic gymnast won over the public with a trio of routines which included a showstopping show dance as well as reprisals of his salsa and Charleston from earlier in the series. And he met the expectations of the bookies, who had made him the favourite to win. Kimberley and Denise also finished in the final three but it was not revealed on the show who had come second and who had come third. Meanwhile Dani Harmer missed out on the chance to perform her jive with Vincent Simone once again after she was finished fourth, and left the competition at the start of the second show on Saturday. Louis' victory also marks the first ever victory for professional dancer Flavia Cacace, who partnered him in the series. The Italian-born dancer had previously made the final in 2007 with Matt di Angelo but ultimately finished runner-up to Alesha Dixon and her partner Matt Di Angelo. The pair appeared stunned when their win was announced, with Louis shrieking while Flavia buried her head in her hands. However he quickly regained his composure and told Tess Daly: "Finally I can say I won something in 2012." And he also praised Flavia, saying: "She is an absolute legend, the nicest person I have ever met." Earlier in the show Louis had wowed the judges with his showdance to Take That's Rule The World - with his shirtless physique and handstands leaving them hot under the collar. "You've been waiting so long to reveal yourself," gushed Bruno Tonioli, who went on to call the dance "deeply effective and memorable". Meanwhile Len Goodman added: "If this show lasts for another 20 years I don't think I will see another showdance as magical as that." He also won praise for his Charleston - although Craig won a resounding chorus of boos from the audience for being the only judge not to give him a 10 - and his salsa, which led Len to say: "Last time you were like a budgie, this time you're like an eagle."
