Strictly Come Dancing favourite Louis Smith has announced that he is retiring from gymnastics.
The four-time Olymypic gold medalist broke the news on This Morning’s Lorraine show.
Louis, 29, revealed that he is swapping the horse for a more permanent move to the theatre.
He toured the UK with his Rip It Up show this year and it’s now heading to London’s West End.
The retirement comes as Louis admitted he had a “miniscule chance” of making it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
He now wants to “explore his boundaries as a performer”.
Read more: Strictly moved to an earlier slot
Louis said of his retirement: “It was a very tough decision. I think last year I had the mindset that given the time around now I’d get back into training and push towards 2020.
“Then certain situations arise, the qualification process has changed, there’s a very minuscule chance I’ll even qualify. I thought I’d give it a chance.”
He then explained that winning Strictly in 2012 had opened up exciting work opportunities in the world of entertainment.
Read more: Strictly’s Giovanni Pernice hits out at ex
“Then new opportunities come up and you have to make very smart life choices. Unfortunately I can’t keep on putting on a leotard,” he said.
“I’m growing, getting better as a performer, I’m exploring my boundaries. I think headlining a West End show is a pretty big step up.”
Have you ever made a huge career change? Leave us a comment on our Facebook page @EntertainmentDailyFix and let us know what you think.