The hottest thing on the Strictly dance floor talks sex, romance and his perfect woman checklist. Louis Smith, you can foxtrot with us any time
Photography by Jay Clark
Louis Smith is getting dirty. And we’re not just talking about the black oil that our lucky make-up artist is diligently rubbing into his finely honed chest.
No, this boy has a one-track mind. Whether he’s jokily flirting with the girls on-set (“You can rub me up and down if you like”), renaming his dressing room “the love shack”, or telling us how he once coloured in a girlfriend’s nipple with a marker pen (um, best not to ask), Olympic hero turned Strictly Come Dancing star Louis, 23, simply oozes raw sex appeal.
After wowing us this summer with his bronze- and silver-medal-winning performances on the pommel horse, he’s now swapped the Spandex for sequins. But as manly as he looks all greased-up and mechanic-like today, Louis (it’s pronounced “Lewis”) doesn’t like getting his hands dirty. He’s horrified when we ask if we can put black make-up under his nails.
“I just hate not having clean hands,” he moans. “You know when some people eat chicken wings and don’t mind getting messy? Well, I can’t. I have to pick it up with a napkin.”
But once he’s got over being grubby, he loves being the centre of attention. He’s constantly breaking into song, cracking jokes and showing off his Strictly moves.
And as for the pictures – is it us or is it hot in here?
How are you today, Louis?
Tired. I was up until 4am chatting to a girl I like on the phone. And no, it’s not Kimberley Walsh [Louis has previously said his fellow Strictly contestant is “beautiful”]. I think everyone on Strictly is in a relationship apart from me. I’m the only single one. Single and ready to mingle.
Are you getting a lot more female attention these days?
A little bit. Not just from females – I’ve got a big gay following.
Louis in action at the 2012 Olympics
Are you enjoying being a heart-throb?
Probably not as much as my friends think I should! I’d rather be in a relationship – I like the security. I hate being single and making the effort to go out, meet people and then being let down. Financially I’m OK. I’m doing all these fun things and I’ve got a house being built, but I still haven’t got anyone to share it with.
You have said you wanted to be settled down with kids by the Rio Olympic Games in 2016? Is this still true?
Yeah. I like the idea of having a wife and seven kids and being a good dad.
Seven! You’d better get cracking! What’s the most romantic thing you’ve ever done?
I remember my ex-girlfriend was having a stressful day teaching swimming until 10pm. So I went and bought her some flowers and Minstrels – they were her favourite.
Not bad. What type of girl do you go for?
I like a girl who’s relaxed and fun so I can just chill with her. Dark hair, high cheekbones, sharp eyebrows, cute nose. Oh, and big boobs, small waist, big bum.
So not too fussy then…. Who’s your dream girl?
Emma Watson. I’d like to lead her astray. Or The Real Hustle’s Jessica-Jane Clement. That’s what I mean about dark hair, eyebrows and cheekbones.
How would you approach someone you fancied?
I don’t. I find it hard to chat girls up unless I’m really drunk.
What would your perfect date be like?
I’d invite her over, get a takeaway, and then we’d just spoon on my new sofa. I’d maybe push the boat out and get a DVD [laughs]. Then I’d light some scented candles, lemongrass or vanilla, and just relax. I give a really good head massage.
And how’s your, ahem, stamina?
Of course I’ve got good stamina [smiles]. I’m a gymnast.
Are you very flexible, Louis?
My ex used to laugh when I’d get in a certain position. I’ve got this one move where… [laughs] I think I’ll keep that to myself.
Gah! So who was your last girlfriend?
It was a girl from Peterborough, near where I grew up. We split up about 18 months ago. She was my first and only girlfriend.
Why did you split?
I was away a lot, so when I was home I felt like I had to give 100 per cent of my time to her. And I think she ended up knowing that, but not really appreciating it.
Are you still mates?
I’d like to be, but I don’t think she wants to. She’s in a new relationship anyway.
So you never had girlfriends at school?
Yeah, I didn’t smoke, drink or have girlfriends. It just seemed irrelevant at the time. I was 19 when I started going out with my girlfriend. We knew each other for years and I liked her, but I didn’t want to get into a relationship before the Beijing Olympics in 2008. It was only afterwards that we got together.
Was the athlete’s village in London one big orgy?
No! Everyone keeps saying this. I didn’t see any of that at all. On the last night everyone from Team GB had a party, I didn’t even get a kiss!
Left: On Strictly with Flavia Cacace. Right: If you look like Jessica-Jane, you might be in with a chance with Louis
Your pro partner on Strictly, Flavia Cacace, 32, is known for getting together with her partners [Matt Di Angelo and Jimi Mistry]. Could it happen again?
Definitely not. She’s in a happy relationship with Jimi. I met him and he’s a lovely guy.
What do you see yourself doing after Strictly?
I want to buy my mum a house and provide for my family. I’d also like to do a menswear line. I have a lot of ideas of things I’d like to wear. Stella McCartney [who designed the Team GB Olympic kit] said: “If you need any help let me know”.
Wow. You must have loads of celeb mates now?
I’ve got a few. I’m good friends with Aston from JLS – we grew up together. I’ve had some wild nights out with the JLS boys, but they leave me in the wind!
Are you going to try to have a singing career again?
I never wanted a singing career. I only went on The X Factor [in 2009 – Louis didn’t make it past the auditions] to see what it was like. Aston works hard – it’s relentless. I wouldn’t mind doing it if I was in a group cos you’d have a bit more banter.
Have you had any showbiz moments recently?
I went to the GQ Men of the Year awards and went to a house party afterwards and Bono and Noel Gallagher were there. I was playing ping-pong with Sacha Baron Cohen.
Do you think you’re good-looking?
I try to look fashionable and take care of myself. I like my hair because I pioneered it. It’s a lot of work to maintain. I have to shampoo, condition, blow-dry and straighten it. It takes me well over an hour to get ready.
An hour?! Would you describe yourself as vain?
Not vain, but if I need to dress to impress then I’ve got to get it right. If Emma Watson is waiting outside you can’t just go out in your chinos.
That would never do!
Strictly Come Dancing is on Saturdays and Sundays, BBC1.
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