OLYMPIC medallist Louis Smith will be heading back out on to the dancefloor when a brand new show, Keep Dancing, comes to Manchester next week.

Gymnast Louis, who won silver in the pommel at the recent Rio Olympics is to guest star in the spectacular new dance production which also stars Strictly Come Dancing favourite Robin Windsor.

Louis, who won TV’s popular Saturday night dancing competition with professional partner Flavia Cacace, will perform four dances on the show at the Palace Theatre.

“Yes, I’m dancing again,” he laughed during a break in rehearsals. “I’ll be doing some ballroom and some Latin and it’s been quite a challenge to learn them in time as I’ve been really busy since coming back from Rio.”

On Strictly, the celebrity contestants had to learn a new dance each week. For Keep Dancing Louis has been under far greater pressure.

“You normally get five days on Strictly to learn just one dance,” said Louis. “With this show I’ve had three days to learn four dances which is quite tough but I’m all ready to go, I can’t wait.

“The show itself is fantastic. The professionals are incredibly good and it’s nonstop. There’s not just not just ballroom and Latin routines, there’s jazz and street dance and even a bit of tap dancing, so there’s lot going on.”

For Keep Dancing, Louis will be partnered with former Strictly professional Anya Garnis.

“She’s absolutely lovely,” said Louis. “She’s worked me hard but she’s been so chilled out about it – it’s been a very enjoyable experience.

“We dance really well and get on really well so I’m looking forward to the show and coming to Manchester with her.”

As a full time athlete Louis is impressed by the dedication and fitness of the show’s dancers.

“People always ask what’s harder, dancing or training for the Olympics,” he said. “Without a doubt it’s dancing. It’s just so incredibly tough.

“Gymnastics I’ve trained for all my life so my body knows what to expect but with dancing it’s just so tough. It’s also mental as well as physical - there is only so much you can learn.

“Your body may be able to go but your brain is working so hard and you just can’t fit any more in. These guys are incredible.”

Having taken the Glitter Ball trophy on Strictly in 2012, Louis also went on the Strictly Live tour the following year and also took part in the show’s Christmas special in 2014.

“I’ve done various bits and bobs on the dancefloor but there’s not really that many opportunities unless I go to some kind of dance school. It’s great to be back dancing again.”

Louis has kept in touch with his Strictly partner Flavia.

“We talk every now and then,” he said. “I was going to watch her show the other night but I didn’t have a date.

“I was going to take my mum but she couldn’t go at the last minute and I didn’t want to go with my agent to another event. I did make the press night but I will go again when I can find a suitable date.”

At the Rio Olympics, Louis took silver behind fellow Brit Max Whitlock in the pommel event – his third medal in three Olympic Games but came in for some criticism for his reaction to finishing second.

“I’m a competitor,” he said. “The majority of people just see the polished product, they don’t know what you’ve had to endure your whole career - the injuries, the aches and pains, the ups and down and battles you have to go through behind the scenes. All people see is the 60 second routine

“But I’m proud of what I did and I’m proud of my result. What happened happened and that’s sport. Unfortunately I didn’t get the gold but to say I’m second in the world at my third Olympic Games I’m pretty chuffed with that.”

And as for a fourth Olympics in Tokyo in 2020?

“I’d like to say I’d be there but four years is a long way away,” said Louis. “It’s even longer when you’re 27-years-old and you’ve got to try and fight for the team and you’ve got all these younger guys pushing for selection. So I’d like to try and get there but think at this stage that I’ll take each year as it comes and assess the situation.”

There have been strong rumours that Louis may be taking part in this Year’s I’m A Celebrity, so will he be heading into the jungle once the tour of Keep Dancing is over?

“I’ve got the shows for few weeks but I can neither confirm nor deny any of the rumours,” he said.

“But I have got things planned for after the show and I’m really looking forward to it.

“I like to keep myself on my toes and I like to do fun things so I’m really looking forward to what happens after the shows.”

Keep Dancing, Palace Theatre, Manchester, Tuesday, October 4 to Saturday, October 8. Details from 0844 871 3019