Gladiator Harry Aikines-Aryeetey Announced as First Celebrity Contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025

Former Team GB sprinter and BBC Gladiator star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has been officially announced as the first celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. At 36, the two-time Commonwealth Champion and three-time European Champion is set to bring his competitive spirit and athletic prowess to the UK’s most popular dance competition this September. This announcement marks an exciting start to the new Strictly season, which promises fresh faces, new professional dancers, and the continuation of a beloved entertainment tradition.

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey: From Sprinting Tracks to the Strictly Dance Floor

Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, famously known as Nitro on the BBC’s Gladiators show, has an impressive athletic background. He competed in two Olympic Games, won the BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award at age 17 in 2005, and holds multiple Commonwealth and European titles. Transitioning from athletics to entertainment, Harry appeared in the 2024 Strictly Christmas Special alongside professional dancer Nancy Xu, which sparked his desire to join the full series.

During a live reveal on BBC’s Newsround, Harry humorously disguised himself as the show’s choreographer before confirming his participation. He expressed enthusiasm about joining the Strictly family, stating, “After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! I’m ready to give it all I’ve got and bring tons of energy to light up the dance floor.” Fans can anticipate a blend of his athletic discipline and charismatic stage presence.

Strictly Come Dancing 2025: New Faces and Continuity

The 2025 Strictly series will grace BBC One and BBC iPlayer screens from September through December, returning with familiar hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, alongside judges Craig Revel Horwood, Motsi Mabuse, Shirley Ballas, and Anton Du Beke. This year’s professional dance troupe will be invigorated by the arrival of Alexis Warr, a US dancer and 2022 “So You Think You Can Dance” winner, and Julian Caillon from Australia, known for his ballroom TV appearances.

Notably, professional dancer Gorka Marquez will not be partnering with a celebrity in 2025, as his focus shifts to judging on the Spanish version of Strictly. Meanwhile, Strictly will soon announce its next three celebrity participants on The One Show, continuing to build excitement around the lineup.

Industry and Contextual Developments Amid Strictly News

Harry’s announcement arrives amid a complex backdrop for Strictly. The BBC is currently investigating allegations concerning cocaine use by two of the show’s stars, with an independent law firm tasked with leading the inquiry. Despite this, Strictly’s enduring popularity remains intact, showcasing the show’s resilience and cultural significance.

The crossover from athletic competition to dance is a familiar trajectory for some athletes, with former Gladiator co-star Montell Douglas having competed in the 2024 series. Harry’s participation underscores this trend, illustrating how sports professionals leverage their physical skills and public personas into entertainment careers.

What to Expect from Harry and the New Strictly Season

• High Energy and Competitive Spirit: Harry’s slogan of delivering “tons of energy” reflects a strong work ethic and enthusiasm that could endear him to audiences and judges alike.
• Learning Curve Anticipated: Despite his speed and agility on the track, dance requires a different discipline. Harry joked about hoping to pick up choreography as quickly as he runs, promising an engaging journey viewers can root for.
• Fresh Professional Talent: With Alexis Warr and Julian Caillon joining the pro lineup, the show embraces new styles and international dance influences that will set the stage for innovative performances.
• Diverse Celebrity Line-up: The full roster is still unfolding, but Harry’s athletic background adds exciting diversity and depth to the mix.

The Legacy and Popularity of Strictly Come Dancing

Strictly Come Dancing remains one of the UK’s most-watched entertainment programs, blending celebrity appeal, skilled dance performances, and live competition drama. Each series not only boosts BBC’s prime-time ratings but also sparks public conversation and social media engagement, further driving its cultural footprint.

The show’s unique format of pairing celebrities with professional dancers fosters compelling stories of transformation, perseverance, and teamwork — themes that resonate widely. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey’s addition reinforces these values, highlighting the show’s appeal beyond traditional entertainment into realms of sport, personal challenge, and crossover stardom.