BBC Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing contestant
The first celebrity contestant for the new series of BBC Strictly Come Dancing has been confirmed as former sprinter and Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has been confirmed as the first celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has been confirmed as the first celebrity taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing.
In a surprise announcement that saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers on Monday (August 11) morning.
Drawing on his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Harry appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as "world-famous choreographer Nicky Trott", there to discuss his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing every day.
His disguise failed to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly sussed out who she was really speaking to.
Harry then revealed the real reason he was there: to announce to the world he's taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing, reports Edinburgh Live.
Harry's an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter
(Image: BBC)
Strictly Come Dancing drops 2025 lineup announcement as fans say same thing
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Harry's an Olympian, multi gold medal-winning Team GB sprinter, and star of Gladiators. As a sprinter he has competed at the highest level in the UK since his youth, becoming the first athlete to win gold medals at both 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, and winning the 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality of the Year award aged 17.
The Olympian took part on Celebrity Masterchef
(Image: BBC)
Harry has gone on to claim gold in the 4x100m relay at the European Championships and at the Commonwealth Games. He has competed in two Olympic games and is a three-time European Champion and two-time Commonwealth Champion.
In 2023, Harry was unveiled as Nitro in the hit BBC series Gladiators, and he took part in last year's Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special partnered with Nancy Xu. Upon confirming his participation in Strictly Come Dancing, Harry expressed: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!".
Harry took part in the Strictly Christmas Special last year with Nancy Xu
(Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)
"I'm so excited to be part of the Strictly family this series and I'm ready to give it all I've got.
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"I'll be bringing tons of energy to light up the dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track."
The names of the next three celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be unveiled live on The One Show tonight at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September
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