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Look out Aston, Olympian Louis is training for X Factor
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith is preparing to step into the spotlight of an altogether different kind of judge when he sings in front of music supremo Simon Cowell on the TV hit talent show X Factor.
Olympic gymnast Louis Smith is preparing to step into the spotlight of an altogether different kind of judge when he sings in front of music supremo Simon Cowell on the TV hit talent show X Factor.The Eye athlete, who was a bronze medallist at last year's Beijing Olympics, is swapping his pommel horse for a microphone for ITV's popular show this year.
Louis, who is a close childhood friend of Peterborough's own X Factor success Aston Merrygold of the band JLS, has made it through to the fourth round of judging on the popular show.
It means the talented 20-year-old will go face-to-face with high-trouser wearing music mogul Cowell and the rest of the X Factor judges in the coming months.
However, the gymnast insists it is only a temporary move, and he is still concentrating on bringing the gold back up the A1 to Peterborough from the London Olympics in 2012.
Related:
Peterborough Olympians - Louis Smith lands historic bronze medal, 17 August 2008.
Special report: JLS: X Factor and beyond.
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He said: "It's just a bit of a laugh really, not that I see the show as a joke. I've just got lots of free time and I would to think about doing something after gymnastics.
"But my main priority is the gymnastics at London in 2012. If the judges say I've got a good voice, then I'll start singing lessons on my days off and see how I do."
The star went through the audition stages earlier in the year in Birmingham singing a range of R&B tunes, but he'll be mixing up his repertoire with some soul and Motown.
His choice of music has so far not been recommended by JLS star Aston, as, despite speaking to his pal regularly in recent weeks, he has not asked for advice.
However, the pair could so easily have come up against each other during last year's show, as Louis explains: "I was going to do the show last year.
"So we could have bumped into each other, but Aston is brilliant and his band JLS are great, he's certainly boosting the city of Peterborough.
"I haven't asked him for advice yet, but I do text him and call him to see how he's getting on."
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