It wasn’t applause Miss Bussell, 43, used to show her appreciation but a masculine gesture that involved raising her left arm, a clenched fist and her teeth.

While the topless photographs are sure to please his admirers, the Olympic medallist took some persuading to pose for the four-hour shoot - despite his impressive physique.

His career has taken off after he played a starring role in this summer's Olympics and now on Strictly Come Dancing. But Louis Smith's love life isn't quite as exciting yet, as the young heartthrob said the split with his ex-girlfriend has left him heartbroken.

Billie Whyatt says the gymnast has repeatedly tried to rekindle their two-year romance and even threw stones at her window one night to declare his love

Denise Van Outen was toppled from the top spot on Strictly Come Dancing by Olympic gymnast Louis Smith on Saturday after her partner forgot their routine.

Following the disappointment of his Paso Doble the previous week and his subsequent savaging by the nasty, mean judges, his Charleston brought the house down.

He's said before that he would rather spoon with the girl than sleep with her, and it seems Louis Smith really means it.

As his popularity skyrockets on Strictly Come Dancing, BBC executives believe gymnast Louis Smith has a future as a broadcaster, writes DAN WOOTTON.

He's certainly been popular with the ladies since the Olympics, helped by his stellar performance on Strictly.

They remained as calm as possible in the run-up to the Games, determined not to let the cracks show. But a video made by British Airways has revealed the pressure our athletes were feeling.

Olympic gymnast and partner Flavia Cacace have been rehearsing the salsa and their showdance.

He's wowed week after week with his impressive dance routines, as well as winning people over with his buff body.

Olympic gymnast Louis Smith lost the woman he thought was the love of his life - his one and only girlfriend Billie Whyatt, 21 - and he’s still trying to get over it.

He became the 2012 winner of Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday night, after impressing the judges and viewers with his shirtless dance routine.

Louis Smith proved himself a winner on the dancefloor after picking up the Glitterball Trophy on Saturday night's Strictly Come Dancing final.

The muscular gymnast had wowed the viewers with his toned torso and made sure that he put his medal winning skills to good work.

Liz Hurley and Louis Smith have joined Coleen Rooney, Nigella Lawson and legions of other stars in posting pictures of their festive celebrations on Twitter.

It's been a very busy few months for the Olympic medallist - from a brilliant performance at the Games to winning Strictly, he's been winning fans across the country.

Members of Team GB's successful London 2012 team were today honoured at Buckingham Palace by the Queen.

He is a triple Olympic medallist for gymnastics - but new heartthrob Louis Smith has warned against underestimating the sport

The Olympic medallist, 23, on his intense fitness regimen, having a high pain threshold and why he believes in God.

She revealed her impressive figure when she wore a bikini while taking part in Splash!

Food has been an essential part of my success, so healthy eating and cooking are important parts of my life and my kitchen is my second home after the gym.

Danielle was particularly disappointed because it was her second time in the competition after reaching boot camp two years ago where judge Elle Macpherson said that she saw something in her.

The 24-year-old Olympic medallist didn't appear to be letting his slightly rounder shape get him down as he enjoyed another day of partying up a storm at Ocean Beach Ibiza on Tuesday.

The 24-year-old Olympic medallist looked as though he had let his training regime slide somewhat as he partied up a storm in Ibiza with his pals.

One's an Olympic athlete and the other is a famous popstar, so it's no surprise Louis Smith and Aston Merrygold were surrounded by girls on their recent trip to Ibiza.

Olympian is enjoying life after years of training and restrictive diets.

They say live television is fraught with unexpected problems - which was certainly true with today's installment of This Morning. The ITV show suffered a toe-curling gaffe with its sub-title service after it accidentally confused the word 'rate' for 'rape' during a fashion segment.

It has probably been on the cards since Louis Smith walked off with the glitterball last Christmas, but Strictly Come Dancing is to launch a spin-off gymnastics show.

He is used to receiving medals and accolades for his efforts, but former Olympic contestant Louis Smith will fail to win any awards for his Halloween costume, this week. The 50 year-old wore a cheap black wig, limp plastic finger 'knives' and a leather-effect top to recreate the Hollywood character made famous by Johnny Depp in 1990.

The star is obviously very proud of his newly ripped torso as he posted a picture of himself posing in a bathroom topless.

Louis Smith is back on track with his exercise regime after being 'hurt' by pictures of him carrying more weight.

Three-time Olympic medal winner Louis Smith has announced that he will be returning to full-time training in an attempt to compete at the Commonwealth Games.

The star, 24, flaunted a rounder figure back in September after piling on the pounds in a post-Olympic haze.

Louis Smith opened his eyes. He was lying on a hotel bed in Magaluf, head pounding, stomach churning and unable to move. Months of excessive living had finally taken its toll. The most successful gymnast in British history was a broken man.

Louis pushed his rigorous gymnastics training regimen to one side on Monday afternoon for a visit to ITV studios and the pressing issue that was his appearance on game show Celebrity Tipping Point: Lucky Stars.

Louis Smith has a stark message for those who still think he has just ‘waltzed’ back into England’s Commonwealth Games gymnastics team after retiring and then winning the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing.

The last time Louis Smith competed in front of a crowd this size he was doing a shirtless showdance in the final of Strictly Come Dancing. There was more material, fewer sequins, but the same strength and poise involved as he returned to the day job of trying to win gold medals.

After returning to competitive action to take two Commonwealth medals, Louis Smith will go back to the small screen before launching an assault on the Great Britain squad next year.

He relaxed his intense fitness routine after his victorious run at the 2012 London Olympics, where he walked away with a silver medal for the pommel horse.

The former TOWIE babe is set to compete in this Saturday's gymnastics final alongside ex-Girls Aloud singer Sarah Harding and pop star Amelle Berrabah.

The 25-year-old sportsman clearly wanted to take his mind off recent events by jetting off on holiday with his close group of friends.

The Strictly winner has been linked to glamorous Lauren Lamport, a 20-year-old social media enthusiast.

The pair met while filming the BBC gymnastics show, which ended in September, and pals claim the chemistry was evident long before they went on their first date.

It was a night of doubles for Strictly Come Dancing when Louis Smith followed up his previous win with the Christmas trophy. Viewers also saw the return of Sir Bruce Forsyth with Tess Daly.

Lucy posted an intimate picture of the two of the two of them to her Instagram account, captioning it with the words, 'Sunday snuggles'

The Olympic gymnast was spotted leaving the former TOWIE beauty's Essex home as they headed out for lunch just hours after posting a picture of them cosying up on Instagram.

A number of pictures, posted to the Twitter account @louishouseparty showed TOWIE star Lucy showering the Olympic gymnast with kisses.

Lucy Mecklenburgh shared a picture on her Twitter page on Tuesday, showing off a FaceTime conversation she was having with new man Louis Smith.