Harry Aikines-Aryeetey for Strictly Come Dancing 2025 / BBC
Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, aka Nitro, has been officially announced as the first celebrity in the lineup for Strictly Come Dancing 2025.
The 36-year-old – a former sprinter from Team GB – appeared on last year’s Christmas special, finishing joint second on the leaderboard with pro partner Nancy Xu.
The BBC has now begun the process of revealing the names for this year’s Strictly – and Aikines-Ayreetey was first out the block, appearing on CBBC’s Newsround this morning to confirm that he is taking part.
“After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!” he said. “I’m so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I’m ready to give it all I’ve got.
“I’ll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dancefloor. Let’s hope I’m as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.”
The next three celebrities in the lineup will be revealed on tonight’s edition of The One Show, which airs live on BBC One at 7pm.
The new series of Strictly begins late next month on BBC One.
