BBC Strictly Come Dancing 'signs up' Gladiators star for 2025 series
Gladiators star Nitro, real name Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, has been 'signed up' to join the 2025 season of Strictly Come Dancing. The 36-year-old former Olympic sprinter previously appeared on the BBC show's 2024 Christmas special, where he was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu, 33.
The duo wowed the judges and were one of the highest scoring couples, earning an impressive 37 points for their Street/Commercial performance.
Strictly bosses were so impressed that they're now hoping to secure him for a full season of the popular dance contest, which will be in its 23rd season this year. It is hoped that he will be able to juggle his commitments with Gladiators, which traditionally films across the summer.
(Image: Getty Images)
Strictly usually begins airing in August each year, but contestants are secured weeks in advance and immediately begin training to gain confidence on the dance floor ahead of the live shows.
An insider told The Sun: "Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work," reports the Mirror, which has reached out to the BBC and Harry's representatives for comment.
The source added: "He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in spandex and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing."
The insider also suggested that they hoped Nitro's participation could draw a new demographic of fans to Strictly, as the show's bosses aim to capitalise on the family-friendly success of Gladiators.
(Image: PA)
Strictly has been mired in controversy and scandal in recent years following allegations of abuse by professional dancers and star contestants behaving inappropriately. Last year, Go Compare singer Wynne Evans caused a stir when he was seen touching dancer Katya Jones.
He later sparked controversy during the 2025 Strictly Live Tour when inappropriate comments he made off-camera were leaked. Fellow 2024 contestant Jamie Borthwick found himself at the centre of a scandal this month after it emerged he used an offensive term to describe the people of Blackpool during the BBC show's filming there.
(Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy)
A shadow was cast over Strictly the previous year when actress Amanda Abbington accused professional dancer Giovanni Pernice of abuse. A BBC investigation was launched while Giovanni left the show, maintaining his innocence.
Fellow professional dancer Graziano Di Prima confessed to accidentally kicking celebrity partner Zara McDermott during rehearsals, leading to his departure from the BBC show.
Strictly Come Dancing is likely to resume this year, with the return of judges Shirley Ballas, Anton Du Beke, Motsi Mabuse, and Craig Revel Horwood. However, it is uncertain if Craig will continue beyond this season, as he previously expressed his intention to leave the show after turning 60.
This milestone birthday has now passed, sparking concerns among fans that he may retire at the end of the upcoming season. Nevertheless, in an interview with The Mirror last year, Craig seemed to reconsider his decision, stating: "I have no intention of quitting because it's a fantastic Saturday job that I intend to do into my 80s, as long as I'm still compos mentis, darling! and if I haven't been cancelled before then!".
Strictly Come Dancing is available on BBC iPlayer
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