Louis Smith topped last week's leaderboard. Picture: Yui Mok/PA Wire

Olympic silver medallist Louis Smith will “block out” any nerves before taking part in Strictly Come Dancing but admits there is more pressure on him after he starred in the London 2012 Games.

The gymnast, who is teamed with Flavia Cacace on the BBC1 show, says his training in sport has helped him deal with any anxiety he has about performing.

Speaking to The Sun today, he said: “I will be nervous but, thanks to gymnastics, I am quite good at blocking out nerves.

“My biggest problem is selling the routine. I’m quite fit but I’ve got no experience in acting and my first instinct is just to go out there with my macho face on.

“I’m not flamboyant at all and there is definitely more pressure on me as an Olympian because people think you’re some kind of superhuman.

“In reality, I’m carrying loads of injuries I’ve picked up from 19 years of regimented training. My back is bad, my knee is bad - but I’ll give it my best shot.”

Louis also insisted he will not be giving up his day-job full-time to become a dancer.

Strictly Come Dancing starts this Friday on BBC1.