Strictly winner Louis gets MBE (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Strictly winner Louis gets MBE

12:14am Saturday 29th December 2012 in National Entertainment News © Press Association 2013

Strictly Come Dancing winner Louis Smith has said getting an MBE is "the icing on the cake" after his amazing year.

The silver-medal winning Olympic gymnast and dance champion is recognised for his services to sport following his success in the London 2012 Olympics.

Louis, 23, said: "To receive this honour is out of this world and something I never would have dreamt of as I grew up in the sport of gymnastics.

"This year has been like no other for so many reasons. For me it's obviously one I'll never forget and I wasn't sure it could get any better but to be awarded an MBE is the icing on the cake and without a doubt the proudest moment of my life. What a year."

Former Strictly Come Dancing star Arlene Phillips said she was "absolutely thrilled" at the news she is to receive a CBE.

The choreographer said: "I am very pleasantly surprised but mostly absolutely thrilled and delighted to receive such a wonderful honour."

Arlene, who was previously awarded the OBE, first found fame when she brought together a group of her students from Covent Garden's Pineapple Dance Studio into the dance group Hot Gossip in the 1970s.

Her choreography caught the eye of Hollywood and she has worked on films including Annie, Monty Python's The Meaning of Life and Legend and music videos with acts including Aretha Franklin, Whitney Houston and Robbie Williams.