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Daily Mail
19 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Gladiators star 'signs up for Strictly Come Dancing' after impressing BBC bosses during Christmas special
A Gladiators star has signed up for this year's Strictly Come Dancing, after 'impressing' BBC producers on the Christmas special. The superhuman, 36, took part in last year's festive edition and was paired with professional dancer Nancy Xu. Nitro, whose real name is Harry Aikines Aryeetey, has reportedly agreed to appear on the regular series this autumn. A show insider told The Sun how the ex-Olympian had been on bosses' wish list for some time now. The said: 'Bosses have been desperate to get Nitro on the series for a while. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 'They were in talks last year but couldn't get the timings to marry up with his work. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' MailOnline has contacted Nitro's rep and the BBC. Nitro previously hinted at a role in the main series when he revealed he would be taking part in the Christmas special with an injury. He told The Mirror: 'I am carrying an injury to some degree. It's been quite tough. I'm not my full self. Hopefully that's taken into consideration. But at the same time, I'm just here for a good time. I can dance, I can enjoy myself, that's the most important thing. 'Although I think we're going to do well and although I think we're going to have fun with it, it would be nice to do myself 100% justice by competing another time on the main series. 'It would be good to be in a position where I can show my ultimate self. I've got the bug. If the opportunity arises… it's abut being in an arena and learning a new skill. If the opportunity arises, I would jump at it, literally because I'll be able to jump by then.' Earlier this year Strictly Come Dancing confirmed the professional lineup for 2025. Dianne Buswell, who lifted the glitter ball in December with Chris McCausland, will be joining Nadiya Bychkova, Karen Hauer, Katya Jones, Neil Jones, Nikita Kuzmin, Gorka Marquez, Luba Mushtuk and Jowita Przystal in returning to the dance floor this September. Amy Dowden, who pulled out in the opening weeks of last year's show due to a foot injury, will also be back on Strictly for 2025, as will Carlos Gu and Kai Widdrington, who didn't have a celebrity partner last year. Despite rumours that he might be making a return after missing out on last year's series, Giovanni Pernice will not be heading back to the ballroom this time around. Sarah James, Executive Producer, BBC Studios said : 'The excitement is already building ahead of the new series and in addition to welcoming back our fantastic returning Pros, we are looking forward to welcoming two brand new Professional Dancers to the line up who will help bring another unforgettable series of dazzling dance and loads more besides to viewers later in 2025.'
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Huge Gladiators star to join Strictly this year after ‘impressing producers with their dancing'
TV Gladiators star Nitro has signed up to take part in Strictly's next series. 2 Nitro is signing a deal to feature in Strictly's next series Credit: Channel 4 2 The TV Gladiator, real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, impressed in the Christmas special Credit: BBC A source said: '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. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. "Producers were also impressed with his dancing. Read More on TV 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' The signing shows the growing influence of Holly Willoughby's husband Harry, also seen in last year's Celebrity MasterChef, was limited by injury when paired with pro Nancy Xu in the festive show. He said: 'I was a bit cautious, so Nancy and the team just worked around me and I just gave it my all.' Most read in News TV A Strictly spokeswoman said: 'We don't comment on speculation.' Gladiators star set to sign for new series of Strictly as bosses also eye up boxer but fee could be stumbling block
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Huge Gladiators star to join Strictly this year after ‘impressing producers with their dancing'
The star was limited by injury in the festive show BATTLE READY Huge Gladiators star to join Strictly this year after 'impressing producers with their dancing' Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) TV Gladiators star Nitro has signed up to take part in Strictly's next series. The 36-year-old ex-Olympic sprinter, real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, impressed in the Christmas special. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Nitro is signing a deal to feature in Strictly's next series Credit: Channel 4 2 The TV Gladiator, real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, impressed in the Christmas special Credit: BBC A source said: '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. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. "Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' The signing shows the growing influence of Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, whose agency Hungry Bear Talent represents the Gladiators. Harry, also seen in last year's Celebrity MasterChef, was limited by injury when paired with pro Nancy Xu in the festive show. He said: 'I was a bit cautious, so Nancy and the team just worked around me and I just gave it my all.' A Strictly spokeswoman said: 'We don't comment on speculation.'
The Sun
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Huge Gladiators star to join Strictly this year after ‘impressing producers with their dancing'
TV Gladiators star Nitro has signed up to take part in Strictly's next series. The 36-year-old ex-Olympic sprinter, real name Harry Aikines Aryeetey, impressed in the Christmas special. 2 2 A source said: '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. 'He was a huge hit at Christmas prancing around in lycra and showing off his biceps. "Producers were also impressed with his dancing. 'The Gladiators' fanbase is growing and kids love them so he'll be a hit with younger viewers, too.' The signing shows the growing influence of Holly Willoughby's husband Dan Baldwin, whose agency Hungry Bear Talent represents the Gladiators. Harry, also seen in last year's Celebrity MasterChef, was limited by injury when paired with pro Nancy Xu in the festive show. He said: 'I was a bit cautious, so Nancy and the team just worked around me and I just gave it my all.' A Strictly spokeswoman said: 'We don't comment on speculation.'
