Strictly confirms Gladiators legend as first celebrity in BBC 2025 line-up

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 27: Harry Aikines-Aryeetey aka Gladiator Nitro attends a preview screening of Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire at Cineworld Leicester Square on March 27, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Warner Bros.)
The first Strictly star of 2025 has been confirmed (Picture: Getty Images Europe)

The first celebrity for Strictly Come Dancing’s 2025 line-up has been confirmed as a Gladiator icon.

Olympian and star of BBC’s Gladiators, Harry Aikines-Aryeetey, is the first famous face who will grace the Strictly ballroom this autumn.

The TV personality already took part in last year’s Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special with pro-partner Nancy Xu and now he is back for round two.

‘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,’ he said in a statement.

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The multi-gold-medal-winning Team GB sprinter was announced as Nitro in the high-stakes BBC gameshow in 2023.

Gladiators,Nitro
The Olympian joined Gladiators as Nitro in 2023 (Picture: BBC)

And he will no doubt be bringing all his skills to the dance floor.

The next three celebrity contestants will be announced later today on The One Show at 7pm.

Strictly Come Dancing returns on September 20, 2025.

More to come…

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