Latest news with #Gladiators:EpicPranks
BBC News
a day ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Strictly Come Dancing 2025: Which celebrities are taking part in the new series?
Calling all Strictly fans - it's time to dust off your dancing shoes and get those score paddles ready, because it's nearly time for the new series!The programme will return to our screens this September with a new batch of celebrities, all hoping to get their hands on the famous glitterball trophy. Last year, Chris McCausland made history as the first blind contestant to win the who's taking part this year? Keep reading to find are you most looking forward to seeing take to the dancefloor? Who's your favourite? Let us know in the comments below! First Strictly celeb: Nitro from Gladiators Strictly Come You. Ready??Gladiator Nitro a.k.a. Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is the first celebrity contestant officially confirmed for this year's made the announcement live on in true Nitro style, as the star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, he tried to trick presenter Jenny and Newsround appeared in the studio disguised as "world-famous dancer Nicky Trott", but it wasn't enough to fool Jenny, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Harry then gave the real reason he was on the Newsround sofa - to tell the world he's taking part in the new series!It's not the first time that Nitro will appear on TV's most famous year he took part in Strictly's Christmas Special where he was partnered with Nancy Xu, and it was an experience that he really explained: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice!"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 dance floor," he added.
Glasgow Times
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Glasgow Times
First Strictly Come Dancing 2025 star officially confirmed
It's none other than Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey (also known as Nitro on the BBC game show). Harry appeared in a surprise announcement that saw him prank CBBC Newsround viewers this morning (August 11). Flexing his reputation as a star of Gladiators: Epic Pranks, Harry appeared live in the Newsround studio disguised as world-renowned choreographer Nicky Trott, who was there to talk about recent work with scientists on a study about the benefits of dancing every day. His disguise was not enough to trick Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. The 36-year-old, who also took part in the Strictly Christmas special last year (partnered with Nancy Xu), gave the real reason he was there - he's taking part in the new series of Strictly. The former Team GB sprinter commented: 'After the Christmas special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! '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 dance floor. 'Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track.' Top 5 most successful UK talent show acts Who do you think Harry's professional dancing partner will be? Who is Strictly star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey? Harry Aikines-Aryeetey is 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. Recommended reading: Harry has gone on to win 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. The next three celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced live on The One Show today from 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Gladiator Nitro's life off camera as Olympian and millionaire as he joins Strictly
Harry Aikines-Aryeetey has been announced as the very first Strictly Come Dancing contestant for 2025, but the sprinter has been competing at the highest level in the UK since he was a teenager Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, known for his Olympic sprinting and his role on Gladiators: Epic Pranks, surprised viewers by becoming the first confirmed celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. The announcement was cleverly delivered during a live segment on CBBC Newsround, where Harry disguised himself as the acclaimed choreographer Nicky Trott on Monday morning. Appearing in character, Harry was set to discuss Nicky's recent collaboration with scientists on a study exploring the benefits of daily dancing. However, Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence quickly saw through the costume and revealed the true identity of her guest. It comes after Strictly fans were left disappointed as one star pulled out of a main role ahead of the series launch. Dropping the disguise, Harry shared the real reason for his visit: he's signed up to compete in the next series of Strictly Come Dancing! This marks his exciting debut on the popular BBC show. Produced by BBC Studios, the new season of Strictly Come Dancing will return to BBC One and BBC iPlayer this September, promising another thrilling lineup of celebrities and professional dancers. Harry, 36, who is a champion sprinter, has been a top competitor in the UK from his youth. At just 17, he made history by becoming the first athlete to clinch gold in both the 100 and 200 metres at the World Youth Championships, earning him the title of 2005 BBC Young Sports Personality Of The Year. "I was gifted from a young age," he remarked. As he matured, this athletic dynamo secured gold in the 4x100 metres relay at both the European Championships and Commonwealth Games. His accolades include being a two-time Olympian and a World Bronze Medallist, among numerous other sporting triumphs. He previously admitted that he draws inspiration from Muhammad Ali, with Harry expressing: "When the odds were against him and people didn't think that he'd be as successful as he was, that's one of the things that drives me. Sometimes in the face of adversity you've just got to drive through it." Now in his mid-thirties, Harry juggles his role as an online fitness coach, managing a thriving app, with his ongoing commitment to athletics. His estimated net worth stands at £3.9 million. The athlete towers at 5ft 11ins and boasts thighs measuring a remarkable 25ins around. His diet is predominantly protein-heavy, with steak for breakfast and cured meat snacks. "I've been blessed with good genetics, obviously," Harry shared last year with Men's Health magazine. Growing up in Leicestershire, he was an avid fan of the original Gladiators series, and he described being part of the new show as "a childhood dream come true". "You think: 'Gosh, I played those games in the estate where I grew up and I've got the opportunity to actually bring it to life," he remarked. "It's a celebration of what we are and what we've done." Harry enjoys a strong social media presence with an impressive 299,000 followers on Instagram and frequently uploads popular workout videos to YouTube. In addition to fitness content, the father occasionally posts charming photos of his young daughter Aubreé-Isla, whom he affectionately calls his "Mini Me".
Wales Online
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
BBC Gladiators star Harry Aikines-Aryeetey confirmed as Strictly Come Dancing contestant
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 READ MORE: 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. Article continues below "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
Edinburgh Live
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Edinburgh Live
First Strictly Come Dancing contestant confirmed ahead of 2025 series
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info 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. Flexing 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 talk about his recent work on a scientific study into the benefits of dancing every day. His disguise was not enough to fool Newsround presenter Jenny Lawrence though, who quickly rumbled who she was really talking to. Harry then gave the real reason he was there: to tell the world he's taking part in the new series of Strictly Come Dancing. (Image: BBC Studios/Guy Levy) 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. Harry has gone on to win 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. (Image: BBC) 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. On joining Strictly Come Dancing, Harry said: "After the Christmas Special, it was so nice I just had to do it twice! "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 dance floor. Let's hope I'm as quick picking up the routines as I am on the track." The next three celebrity contestants joining the new series of Strictly will be announced live on The One Show tonight at 7pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
