'Strictly' Star Louis Smith Awarded MBE, Reveals He's 'Taking A Break From Entertainment'

'Strictly Come Dancing' champ (and Huff Post Celeb fave) Louis Smith has revealed he plans to take a break from showbiz.

Fresh from collecting his MBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace yesterday, the Olympic gymnast - who won last year's 'Strictly' - says he wants to focus on his charity work.

The Team GB bronze medalist told the Sun: "As athletes, we have a big responsibility to keep the legacy [of London 2012] going. I'm starting to take a step back from the entertainment side and move into charity and school work"

Louis with his MBE

"People might misconstrue that because we are doing a bit of entertainment that we're losing our way, but it's about boosting knowledge and so that we can promote other things that we're doing.

"I never thought, starting off in gymnastics, I would be in this position. It's quite amazing. It's been a tremendous year for me."

And Louis wasn't the only 'Strictly' star with an appointment with the Queen yesterday. Former judge Arlene Phillips was also at the Palace to collect a CBE - something she described as 'a real treasure'.

By strict appointment: Louis and Arlene at Buckingham Palace

"I feel like weeping," she said. "As I stood before the Queen an incredible emotion came over me. From where I came from, I never expected to be here receiving the CBE.

"It's incredible I've been able to do so much in terms of theatre and TV and music videos. I feel I've been so lucky to experience that.'"

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